《Warfare Augmented Intelligent Frame Unit》


 Chapter 1 – WAIFU

    Chapter 1 ¨C WAIFU


    I was four when I first glimpsed the towering forms of the WAIFUs. The memory sears in my mind, vivid as the day it happened. I stood in the heart of a desolate city, my cries echoing through the ruins. The sky loomed dark above, heavy with a sense of impending doom. Flames danced hungrily across the rubble-strewn streets, their flickering light casting long, jagged shadows.


    In the midst of it all, a colossal form dominated the skyline. A monstrous figure, its scaly black hide shimmering under the eerie light. The beast stood on four massive legs, its head shaped like a lion''s, but far more terrifying. Hundreds of crimson eyes dotted its face, each one gleaming with malevolent intent. Its mane writhed, not with hair, but with tentacles that lashed out, reducing buildings to rubble with every swing. Its mouth, a grotesque blossom of flesh, opened to reveal rows of saber-like teeth, ready to devour anything in its path.


    "Mommy! Help me! I''m scared!" I screamed, clutching my bleeding forehead as tears blurred my vision.


    The beast''s eyes locked onto me, its gaze freezing me in place. Fear gripped me, paralyzing my small body as I sobbed helplessly. But then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw something streak across the sky¡ªa glimmer of light against the darkness.


    "Mirana Alicent, Launching! Proceeding to eliminate the target!" A synthetic woman''s voice rang out, sharp and clear.


    The light grew closer, revealing itself not as a shooting star, but as something much more powerful. A massive humanoid mech, twenty meters tall, descended from the sky. Its white armor gleamed, the blue circuits embedded in its frame pulsing with energy. The mech''s eyes glowed an intense blue, and as it approached, a green laser sword extended from its arm, humming with lethal intent.


    The Cosmic Beast turned to face the newcomer, but it was too late. The mech surged forward, thrusters blazing from its back, legs, and elbows. With a single, fluid motion, it sliced through the air, the laser sword cleaving through the beast''s left side. Tentacles fell, severed and twitching, as the beast roared in pain.


    The beast recoiled, its massive frame crashing into the buildings behind it, reducing them to dust and debris. It seemed to understand that close combat wasn''t in its favor, and its hundreds of crimson eyes narrowed with cold calculation. With a low, guttural growl, it retreated further, its flower-like mouth unfurling wide. From deep within, a crimson glow began to pulse, gathering into a menacing orb of energy.


    The mech''s synthetic voice rang out, urgency threading through the calm precision. "Support, give me a rifle, quick!"


    High above, a floating ship hovered in the sky, its presence dominating the heavens. Though distant, I could just make out the silhouette of a man within the aircraft, his fingers dancing over a holographic interface. He pressed a button, his voice commanding as it echoed through the sky. "Beam Rifle, Equip!"


    A massive holographic circle materialized beside the mech, shimmering with light before solidifying into a formidable beam rifle. The mech''s right hand shot out, gripping the weapon with practiced ease. In one fluid motion, it brought the rifle up, the scope aligning perfectly with its target.


    A brilliant green laser shot out, slicing through the air with a searing hiss. The beam struck the Cosmic Beast with deadly precision, obliterating its leftmost jaw and cutting off the energy it was gathering. The crimson orb fizzled and dissipated, the beast''s roar of frustration shaking the ground beneath my feet.


    Undeterred, the mech fired again and again, each shot driving deep into the beast''s gaping maw. The once menacing flower-like mouth was now a ruined mass of molten flesh, smoking and charred.


    "&%YF%*TY&%^!" The Cosmic Beast spat out an incomprehensible curse, its voice a guttural snarl of rage and pain.


    "Cosmic Beast is staggered! Mirana, finish this!" The command boomed from the aircraft above, urgent and forceful. In response, another holographic circle appeared before the mech, its glowing lines pulsing with energy.


    This time, the circle materialized a colossal blue buster sword. The mech''s hands moved with precision, gripping the weapon as it began to glow with a golden light.


    "Yaaaaaaaaaah!" The mech''s voice, feminine yet fierce, reverberated through the air as she surged forward, thrusters blazing like twin comets. The distance between her and the wounded beast vanished in an instant. With a powerful downward slash, the glowing blade sliced through the Cosmic Beast''s body, effortlessly cleaving it in two as though it were nothing more than cake.


    The beast let out a final, guttural cry, its voice warped into an unintelligible curse. Then, with a deafening roar, it exploded, its massive form disintegrating into a cloud of dust that was quickly carried away by the wind.


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    The city, once a battleground, fell silent. The terror that had gripped me so tightly began to loosen its hold, replaced by a sense of awe. The mech that had saved my life stood tall, its blue eyes glowing softly as it turned to face me. For a moment, it seemed to regard me with a calm, almost gentle gaze. Then, just as suddenly as it had appeared, the mech began to dissolve, its metal form breaking apart into tiny, glowing particles that drifted upward like fireflies into the night sky.


    Left behind in the mech''s place was a woman, her figure descending gracefully to the ground. She was stunning. Long blonde hair, tinged with green, flowed around her like a halo. Her snow-white skin gleamed in the moonlight, and she wore a skin-tight bodysuit that emphasized her elegant, mature form. As she landed, her green eyes met mine, and she smiled¡ªa smile that radiated warmth and reassurance.


    "Don''t cry. You''re safe now," she whispered, wrapping me in a gentle embrace. "My name is Mirana Alicent, a Warfare Augmented Intelligent Frame Unit. I will protect you with all my best."


    <><><>


    Warfare Augmented Intelligent Frame Units¡ªWAIFUs, as everyone called them¡ªwere the galaxy''s champions. Genetically enhanced girls who could transform into colossal mechs, they were the beacon of hope against the terror of the Cosmic Beasts. They were like the superheroes of our time, adored and celebrated across the stars.


    Growing up, I was one of many kids mesmerized by these awe-inspiring figures. We watched their movies, devoured every piece of media that showcased their epic battles against towering monsters. The more I saw, the more I wanted to be a part of their world. So, when the time came to choose my future, I knew exactly what I wanted to do.


    Upon graduating high school, I set my sights on cyber-engineering support¡ªdedicated to aiding WAIFUs in their fight. The path was clear: to help them in their mission, I needed to leave Earth behind.


    I boarded a sleek space shuttle, its hull gleaming under the stars, and embarked on a journey to Xyraxis. This cyberpunk planet, a marvel of human ingenuity, floated between Earth and Mars. It was home to the Orbital Technology Applied Kinetics University, the sole institution specializing in training WAIFUs.


    As the shuttle approached the neon-lit metropolis of Xyraxis, my heart raced with excitement. The towering spires and holographic billboards promised a future brimming with possibilities. This was it¡ªthe start of my dream.


    But reality hit hard once I arrived. The grandeur of the university faded quickly. The slick corridors and high-tech labs, once so enticing, now seemed intimidating and impersonal. The enthusiasm I had felt evaporated, replaced by a gnawing doubt. The excitement of pursuing a life among WAIFUs gave way to the stark reality of my new surroundings, and I found myself questioning my choice.


    My journey with the WAIFUs had begun, but not as I had imagined it.


    <><><>


    The first day at Orbital Technology Applied Kinetics University felt like a whirlwind. I sprinted down the labyrinthine hallways, my heart pounding as I navigated the maze of corridors. The sheer scale of the university was overwhelming, a sprawling complex of buildings that seemed to stretch endlessly. It took me three tries to find the right one, each turn a frantic guess.


    After what felt like an eternity, I skidded to a halt outside my classroom. I glanced at my reflection in the glass door: a pale face, dark circles under my eyes, brown eyes wide with anxiety, and messy red hair sticking out in all directions. I looked every bit the flustered teenager I felt like. I straightened my red tie and brushed off the dust from my gray uniform, hoping to appear somewhat presentable.


    Taking a deep breath, I cracked the door open. The instant I stepped inside, every head turned towards me. Silence fell, and the eyes of both students and professor fixed on my disheveled figure. My face flushed with embarrassment as I forced a nervous smile and shuffled to the front.


    "I-I''m sorry I''m late," I stammered, rubbing the back of my neck as I met the professor''s gaze.


    The professor, a stern figure with silver hair and glasses perched on his nose, adjusted his glasses and studied me for a moment. "You must be Mister Zaft Callahan," he said, his voice carrying an air of authority. "Roll call is over, but since it''s your first day, I''ll let it slide."


    I exhaled in relief, bowing slightly. "T-Thank you, and apologies, Sir."


    "Now go and pick your seat," the professor instructed, his gaze moving to the front of the classroom.


    I scanned the rows of desks, each one occupied, until I spotted the only empty seat¡ªat the very back. My heart sank as I made my way to it. There, seated with an air of effortless grace, was the last person I wanted to see.


    She was stunning, with long blonde hair streaked with green, porcelain skin, and piercing blue eyes. Her beauty was striking, almost ethereal, and she wore the university uniform with a regal elegance. Her face was the mirror image of the WAIFU who had saved me years ago, the one who had become my childhood hero.


    I sighed deeply, plopping down into the vacant seat beside her, feeling the weight of my bad luck settle in.


    "Can''t believe you''re so hopeless, Zaft Callahan. You''re a college student now. How sloppy can you be?" Her voice was sharp, carrying a mixture of annoyance and amusement. She narrowed her eyes at me, her smirk barely concealing her disdain.


    I shot her a glare. "Shut up, Myrrh Alicent."


    Her smirk widened, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "You still look like one of those goons who drop common loot when killed."


    I clenched my fists, my irritation flaring. "That dirty mouth of yours is probably why your ex left you for a junkie stripper."


    Myrrh Alicent, the source of many unpleasant memories from high school, was now sitting right next to me. Our past had been a string of conflicts and insults, and I had hoped to escape it all here. But fate, it seemed, had other plans.


    One bitter twist of irony: her mother had been the WAIFU who had rescued me as a child.


    And now, Myrrh herself was a WAIFU too, the last person I wanted to encounter in this new chapter of my life.

 Chapter 2 – High School Days and Delinquents

    Chapter 2 ¨C High School Days and Delinquents


    My loathing for Myrrh Alicent runs deep, stretching back to our high school days on Earth. Back then, whispers of Myrrh''s name echoed through the campus corridors, not because of anything she did, but because of her mother, Mirana Alicent¡ªthe most renowned WAIFU for nearly a decade. That fame carried Myrrh to victory in the student council election, crowning her as the year-level governor.


    Meanwhile, I was in the special curriculum class, the elite S rank¡ªbeyond the power scaling of the regular students. My classmates and I carried ourselves with an air of superiority, often ignoring the school''s rules, believing that we were untouchable. Myrrh''s victory over our class representative in the governor elections only deepened our disdain. Her authority meant nothing to us; she was a figurehead we never intended to recognize.


    There were three moments¡ªsharp, unforgettable¡ªthat turned my mere disdain into a festering hatred for Myrrh Alicent, a hatred that still burns within me today.


    <><><>


    I remember the first time I actually crossed paths with Myrrh Alicent during our first year.


    Confident in our grades and certain we could ace any exam, the boys and I often skipped classes in favor of more exciting pursuits. The city proper became our playground, with the arcade as our regular haunt. We even ventured into the adult section¡ªthe casino. It was there that I found myself challenging aristocrats to a Game of the Generals.


    One afternoon, I found myself across the table from a middle-aged man with a suave mustache, his tailored suit practically oozing wealth. He eyed me with a smirk as I took my seat.


    "Heh. A student," he scoffed, leaning back in his chair. "I envy the young and their free time. Too much time to fool around. Too much time for regrets."


    I met his gaze, unfazed. "An aristocrat," I replied, matching his smirk. "At least I know you can pay up in cash once this game is over."


    He chuckled darkly, motioning to the board. "Sit down, boy. I''ll show you how to take a beating."


    We began. The Game of the Generals is like chess, but with a twist¡ªeach piece represents a military rank, and their identities remain hidden from the opponent. Deception is key, and my poker face was flawless. As the minutes ticked by, I watched his confidence waver. When I finally made my final move, his expression froze in disbelief.


    "Whoa, Zaft! Seven minutes and eleven seconds! A new record!" Jorgie, my partner-in-crime, exclaimed, eyes wide with astonishment.


    "Aristocrats make tepid opponents," Jeffrey, our backup, snickered. "They always underestimate the guy right in front of them."


    I crossed my arms, glaring at the defeated man. "Now pay up."


    "Hnnngh!" The aristocrat''s face flushed with anger as he furiously rubbed his suave mustache. "I won''t accept this! You kids are from the city high, aren''t you? I''m calling your school for skipping classes!" His hand darted toward his phone.


    "Oh, shit!" My heart raced as I shot up from my seat.


    In a flash, the boys and I bolted for the casino exit. But just as we reached the door, the elevator chimed open. Stepping out were the student council president, vice president, and year-level governors, their faces stern and unforgiving. Leading the group of peace officers was none other than Myrrh Alicent.


    Before I could react, she moved with lightning speed, her hands a blur as she expertly pinned me down. Her grip was firm, and I could feel the power of her karate or kung fu training. There was no escape.


    Soon after, I found myself standing before the student council, with Myrrh watching intently as the president passed judgment. The trip to the principal''s office was inevitable, and the verdict was swift.


    Two weeks of suspension¡ªfor me and the boys.


    <><><>


    By the time we hit our second year in high school, the boys and I had wised up. Our scandal from the previous year had blown up, and the school had tightened security to the point where sneaking out was impossible. So, we stayed put and found new ways to keep ourselves entertained.


    Trading card games became our go-to during breaks. We''d stake out an empty classroom, turning it into our own little arena for tournaments. The stakes varied¡ªsometimes it was just lunch money or a boxed meal, but occasionally, the bets got wild. Losers might have to confess to their crush on the basketball court wearing nothing but their undergarments.


    One afternoon, I found myself in a heated match against Joshua, a guy from another class. He was cocky, grinning as he laid down his trump card.


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    "Haha! You''re toast now, Zaft!" Joshua declared, slapping the card on the table. "This is my ultimate card¡ªthe White Dragon with Blue Eyes! White Lightning Burst!"


    The onlookers gasped, but I didn''t flinch. With a smirk, I revealed my own trump card. "Not so fast! I play Megantamax Charizard EX! NMAX Wildfire!"


    Joshua''s eyes widened in disbelief. "Na-Naniii!" he stammered, as the room erupted in cheers.


    I might not remember the exact cards we played¡ªit''s been years¡ªbut I do remember the moment. The classroom buzzed with excitement, and the nerds from other classes crowded around, chanting my name. That day, they dubbed me the Master Beater.


    As Joshua knelt before me, he extended a flash drive like a sacred relic, his expression one of utter defeat. "Here you go, oh Master Beater," he said, his voice dripping with reluctant reverence. "The promised compilation of big booty Puerto Rican goddess clips¡ªten terabytes, all yours."


    I couldn''t help but smirk. "I accept your offering, oh loyal subject," I replied, reaching out to claim my prize.


    But just as my fingers grazed the flash drive, a hand clamped down on my wrist, stopping me cold. My heart skipped a beat as I looked up, my blood running cold. Standing before me, her grip firm and unyielding, was Myrrh Alicent¡ªthe peace officer of the student council.


    "I received reports of gambling in one of the vacant rooms on the eighth floor," Myrrh said, her voice calm but laced with underlying fury. Her eyes bore into mine. "I should have known it was you, Mister Zaft Callahan."


    Her smile was thin, forced¡ªbetrayed by the anger simmering just beneath the surface.


    "Crap! It''s the student council! Ruuun!" someone yelled, and within seconds, the room exploded into chaos. Students scattered like startled rats, diving for the nearest exit.


    In the end, there was no escaping her grasp. I was caught, along with a few of my friends and even some unlucky students from another class. The punishment was swift¡ªa one-week suspension, courtesy of that relentless Myrrh Alicent.


    <><><>


    This was one year ago, during our final year in high school.


    Boredom had become a constant companion for me and the boys. The days of sneaking out to play arcade games or gamble at the casino were long gone, and even our trading card tournaments had been snuffed out by the ever-watchful student council. Their grip tightened with each passing day, patrolling not just the school, but the city itself, hunting down any students who might tarnish our high school''s reputation.


    With nowhere else to go, we found ourselves gathering in the amphitheater after classes, swapping stories about the latest animes and movies we''d watched the night before. Phones were banned unless for emergencies, leaving us with nothing but our voices and imaginations to keep us entertained. It wasn''t much, but it was all we had.


    The amphitheater, nestled at the edge of the campus, was a quiet place, often serving as a thoroughfare for first and second years heading home. We''d watch them file out, their chatter and laughter filling the air, while we stayed behind, trapped in the routine of storytelling and the monotony of our final year.


    To break the monotony, the boys and I invented a new pastime¡ªwe called it "schoolgirl ratings." Every afternoon, as female students passed by the amphitheater, we''d quietly rate them on a scale of one to ten based on their looks, making sure to keep our voices low enough to avoid the watchful eyes of the student council.


    We''d sit there, eyes trained on the steady stream of girls making their way home, casually throwing out numbers. One afternoon, a girl with a bob cut, short stature, and the telltale uniform of the cheerleading club caught our attention.


    "Seven," Jordan muttered, leaning back with a satisfied nod.


    "Eight," Jefferson added, his tone a bit more enthusiastic.


    "Five," I said, almost dismissively.


    Jordan shot me a sideways glance. "Man, your standards are so high, Zaft. No wonder you''ve never had a girlfriend."


    I flashed a grin, running a hand through my crimson hair, sending a few stray dandruff flakes shimmering in the sunlight. "Hah! I''ll only settle for the best."


    Suddenly, Jefferson''s hand shot out, tapping both Jordan and me. "Oh, oh. Here''s a good one. I rate her a perfect ten!"


    "Woah, that''s right! She''s a perfect ten!" Jordan echoed, his eyes wide.


    Following their gaze, I saw her¡ªa vision of beauty that instantly commanded attention. Tall and graceful, she moved with a sultry confidence that made it impossible to look away. Her long, greenish-blonde hair cascaded down her back, swaying gently with each step. Her blue eyes sparkled like stars, and her skin was a flawless porcelain. Everything about her screamed perfection, like she was plucked straight from a magazine cover.


    "Fine, this one wins. Ten out of ten," I conceded, nodding as I watched the girl disappear down the path.


    Jordan''s eyes widened in disbelief. "Whoa! I can''t believe it! You actually rated someone ten out of ten!" He grabbed my shoulders, shaking me like a bag of flavored fries.


    I grinned, shrugging. "Well, she''s got the whole bakery, bro. She''s a beaut. So, ten out of ten."


    Before I could bask in my rare moment of agreement, a voice cut through the air, sharp and commanding. "Who''s ten out of ten?"


    We all froze. The girl had turned to us, her smile as dazzling as it was dangerous. "Are you guys rating female students who pass through here? That''s clear sexual harassment, you know!"


    "Crap! It''s the absolute justice governor, Miss Myrrh Alicent!" my friends yelped, scattering in every direction like panicked chickens.


    But I wasn''t so lucky. Just as I tried to bolt, Myrrh''s hand clamped down on my arm, anchoring me in place.


    This time, there was no escape. Myrrh Alicent, the enforcer of absolute justice, hauled me aside for a special sermon¡ªa two-hour-long lecture that felt like an eternity. Her words were relentless, cutting through any excuse I could muster. But despite her anger, she stopped short of filing a complaint with the student council, sparing my graduation from the edge of a knife. Even in her fury, it seemed she still had a shred of compassion.


    <><><>


    And that''s how most of my encounters with Myrrh Alicent unfolded during our high school years on Earth. The pattern was all too familiar: I''d push the limits, and she''d swoop in with her unyielding sense of justice, putting me in my place.


    Even though I knew I was usually at fault, and her mother''s heroism was the reason I''m still standing today, I couldn''t shake the feeling that Myrrh was my personal tormentor. Despite the gratitude I owed her family, my resentment towards Myrrh lingered. She became a symbol of everything I resented, a constant reminder of the boundaries I could never quite cross without facing her stern intervention.

 Chapter 3 – Unlucky 3.33% Chance

    Chapter 3 ¨C Unlucky 3.33% Chance


    Present Day.


    I take a deep breath, my gaze flicking to Myrrh across the room. It¡¯s no use crying over spilled milk, so I straighten my shoulders. Every morning might be a test of patience with her sitting beside me, but I won¡¯t let her ruin my entire day. Not again.


    The professor, a thin man with a polished bald head and square-framed glasses, taps a button on his remote. A holographic screen materializes above him, casting a soft glow over the room. The words "Orbital Technology Applied Kinetics University" shimmer in bold letters before fading into a slick promotional video.


    "Welcome to Orientation 101," Professor Chen announces, his voice steady and clear. "I¡¯m here to introduce you to the basics of our university. At Orbital Tech, we don¡¯t just prepare you for exams¡ªwe train Warfare Augmented Intelligent Frame Units, or WAIFUs, to be battle-ready against the Cosmic Beasts. And for those who support them, we offer training as Weaponry Enhanced Engineering Bios, or WEEBs."


    The video shifts to the school grounds, where a battalion of girls stand in formation, each clutching a sleek, glowing device. With a synchronized motion, they lift the devices high, their bodies suddenly engulfed in pillars of light. The transformation is immediate and powerful¡ªwithin moments, the girls are replaced by towering robots, their backpack thrusters igniting as they launch into the endless depths of space.


    The video shifted, showing male students with devices strapped to their wrists¡ªtoo large for watches, almost like miniature tablets. Their earpieces glowed faintly as they communicated with the WAIFUs, guiding them through a complex star map.


    I recognized the scene immediately. It was the same advertisement that played during every primetime slot on Earth, urging girls to become WAIFUs and boys to enlist as their support units.


    Professor Chen¡¯s voice broke through my thoughts. "You are the chosen few who will shape the future of the stars," he declared. "The girls here have the ability to transform into Frame Units, while the boys are equipped with the WEEB system to aid them in battle. Camaraderie between WAIFUs and WEEBs is crucial, and it¡¯s something you¡¯ll start building from day one."


    With a quick tap on the hologram, a list of names appeared, split into two columns¡ªone for girls, one for boys. Each name was paired with a number, ranging from one to thirty.


    "For the midterms, you¡¯ll be grouped randomly," Professor Chen continued. "Your grades will be shared with your partner, covering quizzes, assignments, and exams. Your combined scores will determine your overall grade. Now, find your name and your partner on the list."


    My eyes scanned the list, searching for my name, feeling a mix of anticipation and dread.


    My eyes darted down the list, searching for my name. When I reached number twelve, there it was¡ªZaft Callahan. Right beside it was my WAIFU partner¡¯s name.


    I froze.


    ¡°N-No way¡­¡± The words slipped out before I could stop them.


    Across the table, a familiar voice echoed my disbelief. "This must be a joke¡­"


    My heart sank as the reality set in. My partner for the midterm was¡­ Myrrh Alicent.


    A loud thud snapped me out of my thoughts. Myrrh had slammed both hands on the table, standing up so abruptly that her chest jiggled from the force. She looked like she was ready to fight, and for once, I was glad someone was about to complain on my behalf.


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    "P-Professor!" Myrrh''s voice cut through the murmurs in the room.


    "Y-Yes?" Professor Chen responded, taken aback by her outburst.


    "This must be some kind of mistake!" Myrrh¡¯s finger shot out, pointing directly at me. "There¡¯s no way I¡¯m partnering with a good-for-nothing pervert hooligan like him!"


    "Wow! Rude much?" I shot back, incredulous.


    "The pairings are randomly generated by the university AI," Professor Chen explained calmly, though his eyes showed a hint of amusement. "I assure you, this isn¡¯t a mistake. This will be an excellent opportunity for WAIFUs to adapt to their support units. In actual operations, you¡¯ll never know who your partner will be."


    "But¡­ But¡­ I¡¯ll fail every test and activity if I¡¯m stuck with him!" Myrrh protested, her voice edging on desperation.


    I felt a surge of irritation rise in my chest. "Stop downplaying me, you sogging cow!" I snapped, standing up to meet her glare.


    ¡°If you two have complaints, feel free to submit them to the toilet,¡± Professor Chen quipped, his tone dismissive.


    ¡°Hnnnngh!¡± Myrrh pouted, her frustration evident as she crossed her arms tightly over her chest. Her blue eyes flicked toward me for a brief, icy glance before she turned away with a huff. "Hmph!"


    She sat down, still fuming, while I forced a smile and followed suit. The absurdity of the situation was almost too much to process. Out of all thirty WAIFUs in the class, I had to be paired with her. According to ChatGPT, the odds of this happening were only 3.33%. In a gacha game, this would be like pulling an SSR character or weapon¡ªexcept instead of a prize, I got stuck with this obnoxious partner. Just my luck.


    ¡°Now, find your partners and sit together. That will be your seating arrangement for the whole term,¡± Professor Chen instructed.


    Around us, students began to shuffle about, excitedly finding their partners. Their faces lit up with smiles and laughter as they introduced themselves to new classmates.


    Meanwhile, Myrrh and I remained rooted in our seats. We were already sitting together, so there was no need to move¡ªnot that Myrrh would have, anyway. She sat rigidly, her anger still simmering, while I leaned my chin on my hand and sighed.


    This was beyond awkward. It was only the first day, but I could already picture myself getting expelled before the term was over.


    As the room settled, Professor Chen tapped the hologram board, and a 3D display of the smartwatch-like device used by the support units appeared. The lesson was about to begin, but I couldn¡¯t shake the uneasy feeling in my gut.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t just any smartwatch,¡± Professor Chen began, his voice brimming with pride. ¡°It¡¯s a state-of-the-art mini computer that utilizes the Weaponry Enhancement Engineering Bios to control your WAIFU¡¯s loadout. Each of you support unit students will receive one, courtesy of the school.¡±


    As if on cue, the desks in the classroom shimmered with light, and the smartwatch-like devices began to materialize before us. The technology of Xyraxis never ceased to amaze me. It felt almost magical¡ªthe way these devices appeared out of thin air, accompanied by the smooth holographic projections. It was a far cry from anything we had back on Earth.


    I noticed some students eagerly strapping on their devices, so I followed suit. As soon as I slipped it onto my left wrist, the band tightened, molding itself to my arm. A sharp, fleeting sting shot through my skin, almost like an ant bite. Then, the screen flickered to life.


    [Weaponry Enhancement Engineering Bios]


    [Successfully Installed]


    [Subject: Zaft Callahan]


    [Clearance: Level 3]


    I couldn¡¯t help but marvel at the device. It was incredibly lightweight, barely noticeable against my skin. I turned my wrist, inspecting it from every angle, impressed by its sleek design and advanced architecture. It was hard to believe something so small could wield so much power.


    ¡°This is kind of neat,¡± I muttered, admiring the device on my wrist.


    Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Myrrh watching me, her curiosity piqued. Her gaze followed the subtle movements of my wrist, but I ignored her, focusing on the device.


    Professor Chen tapped the hologram board again, and the display shifted to reveal a sleek, screenless device¡ªsimilar to the ones used by the WAIFUs in the earlier video.


    ¡°For the WAIFUs,¡± the professor continued, ¡°the school will provide you with these morphers. These devices will enable you to switch into your Frame Unit modes.¡±


    As he spoke, the morphers began to materialize on the desks of every female student, including Myrrh¡¯s. The device in front of her was a pristine white, but as soon as she touched it, it began to shift, transforming into a blend of white and gold with intricate blue circuit lines tracing its surface.


    ¡°This is¡­ my morpher?¡± Myrrh¡¯s voice was soft, almost disbelieving. She held the device close to her chest, whispering words that only I could hear. ¡°Mother¡­ I¡¯m truly a WAIFU now.¡±

 Chapter 4 – Just a Basic Skill

    Chapter 4 ¨C Just a Basic Skill


    For our next subject, we were divided into batches that consist of ten pairs of WAIFUs and support units.


    We stepped into a vast underground facility, the air heavy with the weight of its sheer emptiness. The room stretched out endlessly, tens of square kilometers of desolate space, the only sign of life being the green circuits snaking up the walls. Their eerie glow cast unsettling shadows, like something out of a cyberpunk nightmare. We students in the first batch huddled together, dwarfed by the overwhelming size of the room.


    A woman, no older than her early thirties, stepped forward. Her white doctor¡¯s coat swayed slightly as she moved, the fabric crisp against the sterile environment. Oval-framed glasses perched on her nose, catching the green light as she introduced herself with a calm but authoritative tone.


    ¡°I¡¯m Professor Bao. I¡¯ll be overseeing your practical tests in this Weapons Tutorial Subject.¡±


    Without warning, the barren room shifted. The cold, lifeless atmosphere gave way to a sprawling grassy plain. Blue skies stretched above them, dotted with fluffy clouds and birds soaring in the distance. The students gasped in unison, eyes wide with amazement.


    ¡°This simulation field is limited only by your imagination,¡± Professor Bao explained, her voice steady. ¡°Here, you¡¯ll engage in mock battles. But first, let¡¯s start with a tutorial.¡±


    The field darkened once more, returning to its original, unnerving form. Lights flickered on above them, and a sharp red line appeared on the ground, cutting through the darkness like a warning.


    "All WAIFUs, step onto the red line. Support units, stay still," Professor Bao''s voice echoed through the vast room, commanding attention.


    Without hesitation, the female students moved forward, their steps synchronized as they lined up along the glowing red line. Myrrh joined them, her expression unreadable, her eyes never meeting mine as if I didn¡¯t exist.


    ¡°Now, WAIFUs, prepare your morphers and activate them,¡± Professor Bao continued, her tone calm but firm. ¡°The activation code is: Frame Unit, Awaken.¡±


    One by one, the female students pulled out their morphers, each one unique in shape and color. The room buzzed with anticipation as they raised their devices high, their voices uniting in the chant, ¡°Frame Unit, Awaken!¡±


    In an instant, pillars of light shot up around them, engulfing their figures. The light intensified, casting long shadows across the room before fading to reveal ten towering mechs. The black mech¡¯s massive arms hung like a gorilla¡¯s, poised with raw power. Another mech, pink and delicate, bristled with eight glowing green eyes that flickered with eerie intelligence. An orange mech, all muscle and bulk, stood like a fortress.


    The support students gasped, awe filling their eyes.


    The pink mech flexed its hand experimentally, fingers curling and uncurling with newfound dexterity. ¡°So this is our Frame Unit?¡± her voice was soft, almost disbelieving. ¡°It feels... like it¡¯s part of me.¡±


    My breath caught in my throat when Myrrh''s mech form materialized before us. Towering at twenty meters, her white armor gleamed under the harsh lights, adorned with golden plates and blue circuits that pulsed with energy. Her eyes, glowing an intense blue, radiated an aura of raw power that was impossible to ignore.


    ¡°She even looks like her mother¡¯s mech,¡± I whispered, the words slipping out before I could stop them. Realizing I was admiring my enemy, I quickly shook my head, trying to dispel the thought. ¡°She¡¯s nothing like her mother,¡± I muttered, frustrated with myself. ¡°What am I thinking? I should rinse my mouth out for even saying that.¡±


    A sudden flash of light drew my attention back to the room. A blue line shimmered into existence, stretching out five hundred meters from the red line.


    ¡°Now, Frame Units,¡± Professor Bao¡¯s voice cut through the tension as she adjusted her glasses with a precise flick of her finger. ¡°Sprint to the blue line. Go!¡±


    The mechs sprang into action, the ground shaking beneath their immense weight. Myrrh¡¯s white mech surged ahead, her movements fluid and powerful, as if she¡¯d been in this form her entire life. She crossed the finish line effortlessly, leaving the others far behind, her stride as natural as any seasoned sprinter¡¯s.


    Professor Bao wasted no time. ¡°Now, WAIFUs, I will spawn dummies. Take down these dummies using whatever method you choose.¡±


    She tapped something on her tablet, and in an instant, the simulation ground shifted again. A twenty-meter-tall mannequin materialized before the mechs, standing ominously still.


    ¡°Start!¡±


    The mechs sprang into action, each pilot improvising with the tools at hand.


    The black, gorilla-like mech roared as she swung her massive right arm, crushing the training dummy with a thunderous impact.


    Nearby, the pink, flimsy mech approached her dummy with a huff, slapping its face with a dramatic flair, like a Karen berating a hapless manager.


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    The orange mech, all bulk and muscle, charged forward with a determined grunt, slamming into the dummy like a seasoned football player executing a perfect tackle.


    It was clear they were still getting the hang of combat, their movements rough and unrefined. But I wasn¡¯t exactly in a position to judge. Then, Myrrh Alicent caught everyone¡¯s attention, as usual.


    Her mech moved with precision, executing a flawless roundhouse kick that sent the dummy¡¯s head flying off in one swift motion. The spectators burst into applause, admiration buzzing through the room.


    ¡°Wow! That was an awesome move, Miss Alicent.¡± Even Professor Bao couldn¡¯t hide her praise, her voice tinged with genuine admiration.


    ¡°It¡¯s just a basic skill,¡± Myrrh replied, her voice dripping with arrogance, dismissing the compliment as if it were nothing.


    Professor Bao quickly turned her attention to the boys in the support course, her tone shifting to one of instruction. ¡°Now, for the support unit. Activate your WEEB in the device.¡±


    I tapped on my device, the screen flashing to life with the [Weaponry Enhancement Engineering Bios] display.


    ¡°Tap on the Weapons option. Since you have Level 3 Clearances, you should see three starting weapons in your systems,¡± Professor Bao instructed, her voice calm and steady.


    Obediently, I tapped my smartwatch again, and a holographic screen hovered before me, displaying the available weapons.


    [Weaponry Enhancement Engineering Bios]


    [Clearance ¨C Level 3]


    [Level 1 - Laser Sword]


    [Level 2 - Beam Rifle]


    [Level 3 - Light Shield]


    ¡°Now, use these weapons to assist your partner WAIFUs,¡± Professor Bao continued, her fingers gliding over her tablet. ¡°I¡¯ll spawn five dummies at close range, and make sure to eliminate them with an appropriate weapon.¡±


    With a tap, five dummies materialized in front of each mech, including Myrrh¡¯s.


    ¡°Laser Sword, Equip!¡± one support unit student called out, his voice ringing clear as he pointed his hand glowing with blue circuits to his partner WAIFU.


    A cybernetic circle formed, and in an instant, a laser sword materialized in his partner¡¯s mech hand, slicing effortlessly through the dummies.


    I knew the routine¡ªI should¡¯ve pressed the Laser Sword option for Myrrh, the obvious choice for close-range combat. But the memory of her arrogance from earlier fueled a spark of rebellion inside me. Today wasn¡¯t going to be another easy win for her, not if I could help it.


    I selected the [Beam Rifle] option instead.


    ¡°Beam Rifle, Equip!¡± I called out, feeling a twinge of satisfaction as blue circuits flared to life, coursing through my left hand. I pointed it toward Myrrh, and a cybernetic circle spun into existence around her mech¡¯s hand. Instead of the expected sword, a beam rifle materialized, clearly out of place for close combat.


    The rifle felt heavy and awkward in her grip, not at all suited for the task at hand. But as she hesitated, a small, defiant grin tugged at my lips. Let¡¯s see how she handles this.


    ¡°What the hell are you doing, Zaft!?¡± Myrrh''s voice crackled through the comms, frustration laced in every word. ¡°You¡¯re supposed to spawn me a short-range weapon!¡±


    ¡°Shut up and shoot the dummies!¡± I snapped back, my tone sharp.


    With a huff, Myrrh raised the beam rifle, her mech''s movements swift and precise. She took aim at the dummies'' heads, firing off shots like a seasoned action star, each one hitting its mark with deadly accuracy.


    ¡°Good job, students,¡± Professor Bao commended, her voice calm. ¡°Now I¡¯ll spawn dummies far from your position. Try to destroy them with weapon support.¡±


    In an instant, five more dummies appeared in the distance, about three hundred meters away from Myrrh. She adjusted her stance, ready to take aim with her beam rifle¡ªuntil I pressed the [Cancel] button on the Bios.


    The beam rifle disintegrated in her hands, vanishing into thin air.


    ¡°Eh?¡± Myrrh¡¯s confusion was evident in the single, bewildered word.


    ¡°Light Shield, Equip!¡± I called out, a smirk tugging at my lips. Within seconds, a diamond-shaped steel shield materialized on Myrrh¡¯s left hand, its polished surface gleaming.


    ¡°What the hell, Zaft! That beam rifle was what I needed! What am I supposed to do with this shield?¡± Myrrh¡¯s voice was seething with anger.


    ¡°If you¡¯re really as good as your mother, you should be able to improvise, adapt, and overcome,¡± I teased, unable to hide the satisfaction in my voice.


    ¡°Hnnnngh!¡± Myrrh¡¯s mech visibly trembled with rage, her mechanical head practically steaming. She glanced around, seeing the other mechs easily picking off the distant dummies with their long-range weapons, while she was left holding a shield, her frustration boiling over.


    Myrrh¡¯s eyes narrowed as she assessed the situation. With a sudden, decisive movement, she bent her left arm and launched the light steel shield like a boomerang. The shield flew through the air with impressive speed, striking the first dummy before ricocheting off to the second, then the third, and the fourth, and finally the fifth. Each hit was precise, toppling each target in its path. The shield curved back to Myrrh, who caught it effortlessly as it returned, completing the stunning display.


    The crowd erupted in cheers. ¡°Wooow! That was awesome!¡±


    Professor Bao clapped, clearly impressed. ¡°Good work, Miss Alicent. Now for the final test. I¡¯ll spawn training dummies that fire paintball bullets. Defend against their attacks for thirty seconds.¡±


    With a flick of her wrist, Professor Bao summoned five new dummies, each now armed with paintball rifles. The dummies leveled their rifles, lasers targeting the mechs, ready to fire.


    ¡°Start!¡± Professor Bao announced.


    As the dummies prepared to fire, I quickly hit the [Cancel] button, watching as Myrrh¡¯s shield vanished just as she was about to use it for protection.


    ¡°I swear to god, Zaft! You¡¯re dead after this!¡± Myrrh¡¯s voice crackled with fury.


    ¡°Here¡¯s a weapon for you!¡± I laughed, tapping the hologram screen. ¡°Laser Sword, Equip!¡±


    The Laser Sword materialized in Myrrh¡¯s hand just as she scowled at me. ¡°Your choice of weapons is as disorganized as your mental maturity, Zaft!¡± she snapped, struggling to adapt to the sudden change.


    ¡°Shut up and shield yourself with that sword, you dumb bitch!¡± I shouted, my voice cutting through the room.


    I was certain this would be the perfect way to embarrass Myrrh. The paintball bullets, traveling at 375 fps¡ªfaster than typical airsoft¡ªwould be nearly impossible to deflect with a sword¡­ or so I thought.


    As the dummies opened fire, the other mechs scrambled behind their shields, paintball splattering harmlessly against their defenses. Meanwhile, Myrrh took a samurai-like stance, her laser sword held with an unwavering grip. With fluid precision, she sliced through the incoming paintball bullets, each one disintegrating in a burst of light before it could touch her.


    The students watched in stunned silence, whispers of awe spreading through the crowd. ¡°Wooow! That¡¯s awesome!¡±


    Professor Bao¡¯s voice rang out, full of genuine admiration. ¡°That was amazing, Miss Alicent!¡±


    "Hmph! That was just a basic skill." Myrrh declared, striking a pose with her hands on her hips, her gaze sweeping over the crowd with an air of superiority.


    My heart sank as I realized my plan had backfired spectacularly. Instead of stumbling, Myrrh had turned the situation into a showcase of skill, making her even more impressive in the eyes of my classmates.

 Chapter 5 – Asshole with a Heart

    Chapter 5 ¨C Asshole with a Heart


    The tutorial tests had finally ended, and with it, my first day at Orbital Tech. By two in the afternoon, the halls were already starting to empty as our classes wrapped up. It was a sharp contrast to high school. There were no tight-knit groups hanging around or lingering by lockers. Here, everyone seemed to have their own agenda, disappearing from the campus with nothing more than a quick nod to their partners.


    Still, about half of the students stayed behind, chatting easily with one another. Just ahead of me, I overheard two of my classmates.


    ¡°Hey, Fei, there¡¯s this ramen place everyone¡¯s talking about. Want to check it out? I¡¯d like to get to know my partner for the term a bit better,¡± my male classmate proposed, scratching the back of his head, his brown hair falling into his eyes.


    Fei, tall and graceful with her long hair swaying as she turned, smiled. ¡°Ramen¡¯s nice and all, Neil, but I¡¯m in the mood for grilled pork belly. There¡¯s a spot two blocks from here.¡±


    ¡°Grilled pork belly? Yeah, I¡¯m in!¡± Neil beamed, and they walked off together, their conversation dissolving into laughter as they left the classroom.


    I watched them go, a small knot forming in my stomach. If only my partner were someone like Fei¡ªsweet, easygoing. Instead, I was stuck with her. The so-called prima donna from high school, whose shadow I couldn¡¯t escape.


    I sighed, stuffing my books into my bag. Just as I was about to head out and make a beeline for the dorms¡ª


    "Wait."


    The voice was unmistakable. I paused, turning slightly to see Myrrh standing there, her arms crossed tightly against her chest. She had the look of someone ready to deliver a lecture¡ªlike a parent about to scold their child for misbehaving.


    And maybe I deserved it. I had intentionally screwed up earlier in the tutorial session, and now, here she was. But this wasn¡¯t high school anymore. She wasn¡¯t part of the student council here, and that thought gave me a smug sense of satisfaction. ¡°This is college, she has no power here.¡± I muttered under my breath.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like what you pulled during the tutorial tests,¡± she said, her brows knitting together, her icy blue eyes boring into me with the kind of intensity that could kill. ¡°You might think you got away with it, but I was the one who smoothed things over. I won¡¯t stand for that kind of backstabbing, you snake.¡±


    "FYI, snakes can¡¯t actually stab people in the back,¡± I shot back, letting sarcasm coat my words.


    She huffed, a pout forming on her lips, which for a moment made her look... almost cute. ¡°You know what I mean. That¡¯s why I¡¯m reaching out now. I want to talk things through, like adults.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re talking, aren¡¯t we?¡± I said, leaning into my smart-aleck tone.


    Myrrh glanced around the room, taking note of the few students still lingering. Then her gaze settled back on me, a flicker of determination in her eyes. ¡°Let¡¯s go grab some tea. I know a place.¡±


    <><><>


    I trailed behind Myrrh as we left the university grounds. For all my frustration with her, I had to admit, I was grateful she knew her way around. It was my first day on planet Xyraxis, and everything felt foreign.


    The city unfolded before us¡ªa sprawling cyberpunk metropolis. Neon lights flickered overhead, casting a colorful glow on the streets, even though it was still afternoon. Skyscrapers shot up into the sky, their metallic exteriors gleaming in the light. Pedestrians moved in perfect rhythm with the traffic signals, while CCTV cameras, perched on every corner, scanned the crowds with quiet precision.


    As we crossed the block, I couldn¡¯t help but take it all in. This place was a far cry from home.


    We arrived at a small coffee shop tucked between two towering buildings. The contrast hit me as soon as we stepped inside. Myrrh pulled open the door herself, barely giving me a glance¡ªprobably because she knew I wasn¡¯t about to play the gentleman. The soft crackle of an old vinyl record filled the room, playing music from an era long past. The furniture was worn but elegant, with antique chairs and tables giving the place a vintage charm.


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    There were only a few patrons scattered around, most likely having finished lunch by now. Myrrh and I settled at a small, round table, just big enough for two. As I glanced around, I caught sight of a couple in the corner, sharing a smoothie with a heart-shaped straw, laughing softly between sips.


    I shifted uncomfortably. It had the air of a date¡ªbut this definitely wasn¡¯t. I needed to break the tension before things started to feel even remotely romantic.


    ¡°I know you asked me here to talk and enjoy some tea,¡± I said, leaning back in my chair. ¡°So... where¡¯s the tea?¡±


    Myrrh shot me a sharp glare, her lips twitching with irritation. ¡°Can¡¯t you fucking wait?¡± she snapped, then immediately raised her hand, her tone shifting like a flicked switch. ¡°Hi! I¡¯d like to order, please!¡± she called out, suddenly all smiles and charm.


    I couldn¡¯t help but marvel at the whiplash. One moment, she¡¯s ready to strangle me, the next, she¡¯s the picture of politeness, talking to the waitress like they were lifelong friends. The absurdity of it almost made me laugh.


    After our orders were taken, a cold glass of water appeared on the table. I drank half of mine in one go, the chill cutting through my thirst. Glancing at Myrrh, I noticed her gaze drifting across the caf¨¦. She was staring at the couple in the corner, the ones with the heart-shaped straw, her face flushed slightly, a tight, painful smile tugging at her lips.


    An idea¡ªevil and irresistible¡ªpopped into my head. I leaned forward, smirking, and started singing under my breath, ¡°Love hurts, love scars, love wounds, and marks¡­¡±


    Her bittersweet expression vanished instantly, replaced by a sharp, narrowed glare. ¡°You really are immature, you know that?¡± she muttered.


    I shrugged, my smirk widening. ¡°Are we gonna talk about how Ephraim dumped you before graduation? ''Cause I¡¯m all ears.¡±


    ¡°Shut up,¡± she hissed, her face flushing deeper as she looked away, the disgust in her eyes unmistakable. ¡°I¡¯ve moved on¡­ or I¡¯m trying to, at least.¡± She paused, exhaling sharply. ¡°Let¡¯s just address the elephant in the room, okay?¡±


    Before she could say more, the waitress arrived with our tea. The cups were warm, an inviting orange hue, with a slice of citrus resting on the rim. Myrrh took a sip, and I followed suit, the sweet and sour blend dancing across my tongue. The warmth of the tea soothed my throat, momentarily melting away the tension between us.


    Myrrh set her cup down gently, her eyes locking onto mine. ¡°Look, we both know we couldn¡¯t stand each other in high school,¡± she said, her voice calmer now. ¡°We have our differences. But we¡¯re partners for the midterms, and that means your grade is my grade, and mine is yours.¡± She paused, her tone growing more measured. ¡°I¡¯m on the Dean¡¯s List Scholarship. If I don¡¯t maintain a certain GPA, I¡¯ll lose it. And if that happens, I can¡¯t stay enrolled.¡±


    That bit caught me off guard. Myrrh? On a scholarship? Meanwhile, my parents were working themselves to the bone to keep me enrolled in this outworld university. And here she was, studying for free¡ªor close to it. But maybe it made sense, considering her mother was the so-called ¡°Heroine of the Decade¡± and Myrrh¡¯s skills as a WAIFU had probably helped secure her spot on that list.


    She took a breath, her gaze softening. ¡°I¡¯m willing to set aside our differences, agree to disagree, whatever we need to do to work together. But I can¡¯t have you slacking off. Not in academics, not in our practical operations. So please, don¡¯t pull another stunt like you did today. I need you to be serious. If I fail, that scholarship¡¯s gone, and my family¡­ we¡¯re going through tough times. Without the scholarship, I¡¯ll have to drop out.¡±


    Her words hung in the air for a moment, her blue eyes shimmering, the hard edges of her expression melting away.


    ¡°How high do you need to keep your grades?¡± I asked, taking a slow sip of the tea, its warmth settling into my chest.


    ¡°Eighty-five,¡± she said, her tone dead serious.


    Yeah, I hated Myrrh Alicent, no question. And the thought of sabotaging our grades for the fun of it crossed my mind. But the reality hit hard¡ªwhatever happened to her would hit me, too. Looking back, the tutorial test wasn¡¯t the place for a stunt like that. I hadn¡¯t thought it through at all¡ªit was reckless, like setting off fireworks without checking the wind.


    Sure, I only needed a seventy-five to pass, but the idea of her dropping out because of financial trouble left a sour taste in my mouth. I might be an asshole, but not that much of one. I am an asshole with a heart.


    I took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll do my best to keep up with the grades¡ªat least until we¡¯re done with this partnership.¡±


    Myrrh visibly relaxed, her hand resting on her chest as she let out a soft sigh of relief. ¡°Thank you,¡± she murmured, her voice sincere.


    Then, something I hadn¡¯t expected: her smile. For the first time, I saw it up close¡ªgenuine and unguarded. She looked like the angel everyone used to rave about back in high school. Honestly, I could see why now. Somehow, she seemed even more radiant after that breakup with her ex. It was strange.


    ¡°To our partnership,¡± Myrrh said, raising her teacup.


    ¡°To our partnership,¡± I echoed, lifting mine in return.


    The soft clink of our cups resonated in the quiet caf¨¦, sealing the unspoken agreement between us. In that moment, it felt like a shift¡ªsomething new, something different.

 Chapter 6 – The Mary Sue in Distress

    Chapter 6 ¨C The Mary Sue in Distress


    I really hate that bitch of a partner.


    And yeah, you could say I just pulled a complete 180 on her, because I did. Things seemed fine as we wrapped up tea and polished off those pancakes, drenched in rich maple syrup, paired bizarrely with a Caesar salad. The flavors still lingered, the syrup¡¯s sweetness mixing with the tang of dressing, when the bill hit the table like a thunderclap.


    Myrrh¡¯s eyes went wide, her pupils shrinking in disbelief as she stared at the numbers. It was like watching someone spot a ghost in broad daylight. Her hand trembled as she snapped open her wallet, revealing a hollow, empty space that echoed her next sound¡ªa high-pitched, pathetic little "oopsie." I felt my stomach sink.


    ¡°Hey, Zaft¡­¡± she said, forcing a smile so strained that even her face didn¡¯t buy it. A single bead of sweat rolled down her temple, trailing slowly toward her flushed cheek. It was all too obvious where this was headed.


    ¡°What is it?¡± I asked flatly, already knowing the answer.


    She flipped her wallet upside-down and flapped it like it might suddenly produce cash out of thin air. Nothing¡ªno bills, no coins, not even a card. Her face, still twisted into that fake smile, was practically begging.


    ¡°You¡¯re a gentleman, right? And since you asked me out on a date, you should cover this¡­ right?¡±


    I kept my expression deadpan, meeting her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure we both agreed this wasn¡¯t a date. And if I recall, you were the one who asked me out.¡±


    ¡°Ack¡­¡± Myrrh sputtered, choking on her own words. Then, in typical fashion, she narrowed her eyes, a sly, mischievous grin creeping onto her lips. ¡°Fine then. I¡¯ll forgive you for the sins you committed during the tutorial test earlier¡ªif you cover the bill this time.¡±


    I let out a long, weary sigh. Part of me wanted to see her in the kitchen, scrubbing dishes as punishment for not being able to pay. The thought amused me, but it wasn¡¯t worth the hassle, especially since I¡¯d probably end up back there beside her. It was getting late, and all I wanted was to go home and leave this farce behind.


    Resigned, I pulled out my wallet, thumbing through the bills. Myrrh, ever the opportunist, clapped her hands together in glee, her sparkling blue eyes lighting up as if she¡¯d just won the lottery.


    ¡°Thank you for the save, Zaft!¡± she cooed, resting her head on the table, a rosy blush creeping across her cheeks. Her smile was sweet, almost adorable¡ªalmost.


    ¡°Just so we¡¯re clear,¡± I muttered, glancing at her, ¡°you¡¯ll still have to pay your share.¡±


    She waved it off with a carefree giggle, her blush deepening. ¡°Fine, fine! Friday, I promise!¡± Her voice was light and playful. ¡°Thank you, Zaft! You¡¯re the best!¡±


    I could hardly stand her manipulation. Not even an hour ago, she¡¯d called me a hooligan who drops common loot, and now she¡¯s showering me with praise, as if I¡¯d suddenly become her hero. The audacity of this bitch was almost impressive.


    <><><>


    Myrrh and I walked back toward the university block, the quiet late afternoon air wrapping around us like a soft blanket. The campus dormitory area was split into two compounds: the left side housed the male dormitories, while the right was reserved for the ladies¡ªa fact society must find amusing since they like to say women are always right. The towering buildings stood like silent sentinels as we approached the main gate.


    When we reached the entrance, Myrrh flashed me a cheerful smile, waving goodbye with that annoyingly sweet expression. ¡°Thanks for your time, Zaft. See you tomorrow!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, see you tomorrow,¡± I replied, forcing a smile that didn¡¯t reach my eyes. As soon as we parted ways, I felt the weight of the day settle in. Glancing down at my wallet, which now felt pathetically light, I muttered under my breath, ¡°Bitch.¡±


    I continued my walk to the left compound, where the male dormitory loomed ahead¡ªa towering condo-like building that seemed more imposing in the fading light. The automatic doors slid open with a soft hum as I stepped inside and made my way to the elevator. The ride to the fourth floor felt slow, giving me more time to stew in my thoughts. How had I spent over two hours with her? I originally couldn¡¯t imagine lasting more than five minutes in Myrrh¡¯s company without wanting to claw my own eyes out.


    By the time I exited the elevator, it was already five o¡¯clock. I hadn¡¯t realized how much time I had lost.


    Scratch that. As much as I hated to admit it, Myrrh had been the person I spent most of my time with today. Here at this university on a foreign planet, making friends was tougher than I¡¯d anticipated. The students here seemed more self-sufficient, with their own goals and agendas that left little room for casual connections.


    It¡¯s a bitter truth, but knowing someone¡ªanyone¡ªin this place made things a little easier. Despite the bickering and constant trolling, I found myself actually enjoying Myrrh¡¯s company. There was something oddly comforting about the banter, a distraction from the solitude that came with being in a new world.


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    After stripping off my uniform, I tossed it aside, leaving myself in just boxers as I flopped onto the bed. I stared at the dirty white ceiling, its cracks and stains a familiar sight, then turned my gaze to the window.


    The sun was already dipping below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the room. That light¡­ it was the same golden hue as back on Earth. For a moment, it pulled me into a not-so-distant memory of Myrrh Alicent, one that tugged at my thoughts like the last rays of the setting sun.


    <><><>


    It happened a few months before our high school graduation, on the afternoon before prom night back on Earth. I remember the air was thick with excitement and anticipation, with preparations for the big event in full swing. While everyone else was bustling around, me and the boys found ourselves in our usual hideout¡ªthe shadowy side of the bleachers by the basketball court.


    The court was the closest spot to the gymnasium, where prom night would be held, and since we were early and the usual school rules had been loosened for the occasion, we had free reign. Naturally, we took full advantage, losing ourselves in the glowing screens of our phones, playing co-op gacha games like our lives depended on it.


    As we were immersed in our virtual battles, a familiar silhouette caught our attention. It was Ephraim Park, the high school heartthrob. Tall, pale-skinned, and effortlessly handsome, Ephraim had that classic Korean look¡ªa perfectly sculpted face and spiky hair that always seemed to fall just right. On top of his looks, he was the valedictorian and a star varsity basketball player. Mister Perfect, as we called him, wasn¡¯t just some pretty face; he was genuinely kind, smart, and talented, which only made him seem more untouchable.


    If me and the boys approached Ephraim, we¡¯d look like goblins standing next to an angel. Even though he was friendly and approachable, there was an unspoken rule among us¡ªwe kept our distance. He existed in a world we didn''t belong to.


    Ephraim stood by the court for what felt like ages, a red handkerchief clutched in his hand. He looked lost, his green eyes fixed on the ground, his usual bright demeanor dimmed by something we couldn¡¯t quite place. It was strange seeing him like that, especially when he was dressed to perfection, as always.


    "Hey, let''s go," Jace, one of my friends, tapped me on the shoulder, breaking the moment. "The class might need some help with the prom preparations."


    ¡°Okay then¡ª¡± I started to reply. But just as I was about to push myself off the bleacher, my eyes landed on the last person I wanted to see: Myrrh Alicent. It was weeks after the infamous scolding session she¡¯d put me through, and the air between us was still thick with awkwardness. I really didn¡¯t want to deal with her right now.


    Jace, oblivious to the drama unfolding, slipped past Myrrh and headed towards the gym without a hitch. Myrrh, however, barely acknowledged either of us. Her usually vibrant blue eyes were now clouded with sorrow, and it looked like she might start crying any moment.


    Curiosity got the better of me. I decided to stay hidden behind the bleachers, letting Jace go on without me. I was intrigued by what might transpire between these two. Both of them seemed to be grappling with some heavy emotions, and I couldn¡¯t help but wonder about the source of their distress.


    Ephraim and Myrrh stood facing each other, a chasm of silence stretching between them. The quiet was so profound it made me yawn.


    Finally, Ephraim spoke, his voice cutting through the tension. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Myrrh.¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s response was a tremulous whisper. ¡°W-why are you apologizing, Ephraim?¡± Her voice quivered as she forced a shaky smile. ¡°And why¡­ why are you breaking up with me?¡±


    Ephraim¡¯s expression was solemn, his eyes steady but filled with a sadness that matched hers. ¡°It¡¯s not you. It¡¯s me, Myrrh. I¡¯ve fallen out of love. You¡¯re kind and righteous, but you¡¯re such a Mary Sue that you don¡¯t excite me anymore.¡±


    ¡°Is that the reason you¡¯re leaving me for Clarisse?¡± Myrrh¡¯s voice was strained as she clutched her chest, as if trying to hold her heart together.


    Ephraim¡¯s gaze dropped to the ground, his face turned away in a mix of shame and sorrow. ¡°W-well¡­¡± He hesitated, struggling to find the right words. ¡°Clarisse makes my heart race with joy. I know she¡¯s got a reputation¡ªshe¡¯s notorious among the boys, and yes, she has her issues¡ªbut she brings me a kind of happiness I¡¯ve never felt before. With her, I feel alive. We complement each other in ways I never thought possible, filling gaps in our souls.¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s eyes widened with a mix of anger and pain, tears streaming down her face. ¡°Y-yeah, right. Leave me for that drug-addicted hooker who belongs in the streets,¡± she spat out, her voice cracking.


    Ephraim¡¯s face hardened, and his voice roared with a fierce intensity. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare speak about my love like that!¡± He advanced toward her, the raw anger in his voice trembling with each word. ¡°That¡¯s exactly the problem with you! You¡¯re so obsessed with your sense of justice and perfection that you look down on anyone who doesn¡¯t meet your standards. You never consider what others feel or think!¡±


    ¡°Fine then! Leave me! Throw away all the years of our friendship for that woman of yours, you cheater!¡± Myrrh¡¯s voice broke into a sob as she shouted, her heartbreak evident in every word.


    Ephraim¡¯s fists clenched tightly around the red handkerchief, his knuckles white with the effort. With a final, pained glance, he bowed his head and walked away, leaving Myrrh standing there, tears streaming down her face as he quietly exited the scene.


    Man, this scene could have been ripped straight from a telenovela. Good thing I¡¯m not into romance; otherwise, I¡¯d be stuck navigating this melodramatic mess through my high school years. Maybe I should¡¯ve brought some popcorn to fully appreciate the spectacle.


    I was about to sneak away, eager to escape the emotional wreckage, when a piercing cry shattered the evening¡¯s stillness.


    ¡°UWAAAAAAAAAAAAH!¡±


    It was Myrrh Alicent, the once-perfect girl¡ªdubbed a Mary Sue by many¡ªnow reduced to a pitiful sight. She was on her knees, her pristine white gown now stained and dirtied. Tears streamed down her face, mixing with snot as she cried uncontrollably. The raw, unfiltered distress was almost too much to bear, especially as she began her tearful monologue.


    ¡°You¡¯re my childhood friend, Ephraim! We¡¯ve been together for ten years! You promised me you¡¯d make me your bride in the future! You said I¡¯d be your wife! Your¡­ wife! Uwaaaaah!¡±


    I took a deep breath, exhaling slowly as I tried to process the scene. Despite our hostility, I couldn¡¯t stand to see someone so utterly heartbroken, especially someone who was usually so put-together. It tugged at something in me, and I found myself reluctantly moved by her anguish.


    Resolving to at least offer a semblance of comfort, I reached into my pocket and pulled out the pink handkerchief my mother had given me. It was a small, sentimental token that I¡¯d kept with me.


    With a sigh, I stepped forward, closing the distance between us. As I approached the once-unapproachable Mary Sue now in distress, I offered the pink handkerchief to her, my initial intention of mockery melting away. Seeing her so heartbroken, my resolve softened, and I couldn''t help but feel a pang of empathy for her.

 Chapter 7 – Endless Banters

    Chapter 7 ¨C Endless Banters


    The sun had barely crested the horizon, casting a golden hue across the sleek, towering structures of Orbital Technology Applied Kinetics University. It was the second day of classes, and the crisp morning air hummed with energy. I navigated the familiar hallways with ease, already accustomed to the route that would take me to my classroom. Being familiar with the layout now, I arrived without a hitch, making it just in time.


    I stepped into the classroom fifteen minutes early, and the atmosphere was noticeably different from the day before. The room buzzed with conversation and movement as students settled into their places. There was an undeniable liveliness in the air, the stiff tension from the first day melting away. I suppose most of the students had already adjusted to their assigned partners by now.


    I realized that perhaps the same could be said for me. Yesterday felt like a stroke of fate, a surreal day when I managed to speak to the person who had, for so long, been the bane of my existence. My thoughts drifted back to Myrrh.


    She was already seated in our usual spot, her profile framed by the soft glow of sunlight streaming in through the window. Her gaze was distant, eyes unfocused as she stared outside, lost in thought. One hand propped up her chin, and she looked almost serene, though her expression remained unreadable. I approached silently, not intending to break the delicate quiet, but as I pulled out my chair, something unexpected happened.


    "Good morning, Zaft," Myrrh greeted, her voice soft and distant, like a leaf drifting lazily in the wind.


    For a moment, I stood frozen. Hell must have frozen over for her to actually speak to me¡ªlet alone greet me first. Then, I remembered our reluctant agreement from yesterday. We had promised to try and make this partnership work, no matter how much we loathed the idea. After all, our grades depended on it.


    "G-Good morning, Myrrh," I stammered, still caught off guard.


    Myrrh turned to face me, her lips curling into a mischievous smile, her narrowed blue eyes gleaming with playful malice. ¡°Next time, greet me with more respect," she said, her voice dripping with mock grandeur. "''A fabulous morning, Your Royal Highness Myrrh Alicent¡¯¡ªthat would be the proper greeting from now on. It¡¯s only right that a hooligan like you show some respect.¡±


    Without missing a beat, I met her gaze with a deadpan expression. ¡°Good fucking morning, you snotty brat Myrrh Alicent. That¡¯s the best I can do.¡±


    Her smile faltered into a pout as she leaned back in her chair. ¡°I don¡¯t get why you hate me so much. Everything I¡¯ve done was in the name of duty and honor.¡±


    A bitter laugh slipped from my lips before I could stop it. ¡°That¡¯s exactly why Ephraim left you. You¡¯re so narcissistic and selfish that you can¡¯t see past your own reflection.¡±


    ¡°Hmph.¡± Myrrh crossed her arms tightly across her chest, her chin jutting out defiantly. ¡°Speak for yourself, gremlin. You never even had a girlfriend in high school. Girls avoid you like the plague¡ªit''s a miracle you''re even allowed in the same room as one.¡±


    Fantastic. It wasn¡¯t even eight in the morning, and my day was already on a downward spiral. I could already feel the headache forming, the kind of dull throb that only Myrrh could conjure. I sighed inwardly, praying that midterms would breeze by so this torturous partnership would end as soon as possible.


    ¡°Oh, before I forget,¡± Myrrh suddenly chirped, clapping her hands as if a thought had just struck her. Her face lit up with a smile that was far too innocent for someone like her. She reached into her bag with deliberate slowness, pulling out a small object that glittered in the light.


    She held out a pink handkerchief, the fabric neatly folded in her palm. ¡°Here!¡±


    "Wait, this is..." I trailed off, my eyes widening as I recognized the familiar fabric.


    Myrrh''s cheeks flushed with a soft, rosy hue that made her look oddly innocent. "I guess I never properly thanked you for this. So, thank you," she murmured, glancing away shyly.


    In an instant, memories from my high school days on Earth rushed back to me like a flood. It was the very same pink handkerchief I had lent her during prom, back when her ex-boyfriend had callously dumped her. I could still picture her, sitting alone in the corner of the ballroom, using that handkerchief to wipe her tear-streaked face. Sweat and snot mingled with her tears as she blew her nose into it, sobbing uncontrollably.


    Yeah, I remembered it all too well. And as much as I might be a fool for a beautiful girl, I drew the line at revering Myrrh¡¯s snot. No thanks.


    "You know you didn¡¯t have to return this," I said, gingerly pinching the corner of the handkerchief between my thumb and index finger, holding it as if it were a biohazard. Who knew what microscopic remnants of Myrrh¡¯s snot still lingered within its fibers?


    "It would be rude not to return it," Myrrh replied with a haughty tilt of her chin. "Besides, that handkerchief is a luxury brand, isn¡¯t it?"


    "You should¡¯ve just tossed it in the trash," I muttered, still holding the pink fabric at arm¡¯s length. "We both know what you used this for."


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    "Wow, rude. Even my snot is a thousand times cleaner than your face," she shot back, her lips curling into a pout. "FYI, I handwashed it over and over again, with the finest fabric conditioner money can buy. It¡¯s practically brand new! I even made sure it smelled extra nice for you."


    I raised an eyebrow, skeptical. Myrrh continued, her tone softening. "I actually meant to give it back during our graduation, but things got so hectic, and I kind of... forgot."


    "Really?" I drawled, examining the handkerchief from every angle with exaggerated suspicion. I tentatively rubbed the fabric between my fingers, and to my surprise, it was smooth and soft¡ªpractically brand new. There wasn¡¯t a single blemish on it, not even a stain from that chaotic night. Reluctantly, I gave in, set aside my inner germaphobe, and held the handkerchief normally.


    "Go on, smell it!" Myrrh teased, a wicked grin spreading across her face. "I made sure it smells like lavender!"


    "Not a chance," I scoffed, shaking my head in mock horror. "Who knows what kind of plague might awaken if I breathe in the wrong particle."


    I cringed at the thought and quickly stuffed the pink handkerchief into my bag, hoping to banish any lingering mental images. Myrrh pouted, her lower lip jutting out as she tried¡ªand failed¡ªto look both cute and annoyed. Her narrowed eyes hinted at an incoming retort, but before she could launch into another comeback, the sharp ring of the first bell echoed through the classroom.


    The start of the day. Saved by the bell.


    Our Technology Subject professor strode into the room just as Myrrh was about to open her mouth, cutting off whatever sarcastic remark she had brewing. I let out a quiet sigh of relief, sinking into my chair as the chatter in the room died down.


    <><><>


    Professor Isadora stood at the front of the classroom, a tall, slender woman with a tan complexion. Her face was meticulously made up, her features accentuated by layers of makeup, and her lips gleamed a striking, swollen red from the heavy coat of lipstick. She wore the standard office attire, professional yet unremarkable, but her presence was commanding as she launched into the day''s lecture.


    "Warfare Augmented Intelligent Frame Units are the pinnacle of cybermystic innovation," she began, her voice steady and authoritative. "When humanity unlocked the secrets of the Reality Code, we gained the power to alter not just the fabric of reality but the very building blocks of genetics. This universal programming language allowed us to modify life itself on a cellular level, opening up new possibilities."


    She paused, a holographic image flickering to life above her desk¡ªa sleek, futuristic device materialized in midair. "These," she continued, gesturing to the image, "are morphers, tools most of you are already familiar with. These devices contain pre-programmed codes designed to modify your bodies, allowing you to transform into giant mechs known as Frame Units."


    The hologram shimmered as it rotated slowly, its gleaming surface reflecting the classroom lights. Professor Isadora¡¯s tone grew slightly more serious as she went on. "However, morphers only function with individuals who possess XX chromosomes¡ªbiological females. That means males, gays, transgender individuals, and others in the LGBTQ community are unfortunately incompatible with the morphing process."


    A brief sigh escaped her lips, subtle but audible, as if she were disappointed by the limitations of the technology.


    The guy seated in front of me leaned back and whispered, "Hey, that sigh¡­ does that mean the professor''s transgender?"


    I raised an eyebrow, amused, and shrugged. "Beats me," I whispered back with a smirk. "Maybe that explains her disappointment."


    For a moment, I caught Myrrh''s gaze. She was staring at me, her blue eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that I couldn¡¯t quite decipher. I had no idea what was going on in her head, but after a tense second, she turned her attention back to the professor without a word.


    <><><>


    For our next class, we were brought to an open field, the crisp air and wide expanse stretching out before us. It was time for Weaponry Basics, a subject that required hands-on training. This meant donning the official battle suits for actual combat practice. As a support unit, I was given a standard black military uniform¡ªloose enough to move freely, but durable and practical. The matching hat added to the formal look, though the uniform was comfortably functional.


    The WAIFUs, however, were designated to wear white skin suits. That¡¯s right¡ªskin-tight suits. These outfits clung to their bodies like a second layer of skin, accentuating every curve, every contour. I glanced around at the other WAIFUs; the suits fit them well, sleek and streamlined for combat, but functional.


    But then, I caught sight of Myrrh.


    When she walked onto the field in her skin suit, something primal and instinctual stirred inside me. My rational thoughts faded for a moment, replaced by an overwhelming, almost animalistic reaction. Her long legs moved with a grace that was almost hypnotic, each step causing her hips to sway in an undeniably alluring way. Her figure was nothing short of jaw-dropping¡ªher ample curves, the way her breasts and hips moved with every step, the smooth, hourglass waistline that led down to hips that screamed fertility. It was like my body had been jolted to life, and I felt heat rise to my face.


    Before I could compose myself, Myrrh caught me staring. Her eyes twinkled, and for just a moment, I saw her blush, her cheeks faintly tinted pink. But that innocent expression quickly shifted into something more mischievous as her lips curled into a teasing smile.


    ¡°Oh, the hooligan is blushing,¡± she cooed, her voice dripping with amusement. "Did I make your heart skip a beat?"


    "No fucking way," I muttered, quickly turning away to hide the deep flush that had overtaken my face. But Myrrh wasn¡¯t done. She leaned forward, pressing her face closer, refusing to let me escape her teasing.


    "Hehe!" Myrrh laughed, flipping her long lime-blonde hair, which caught the breeze and danced effortlessly around her shoulders. She turned to me, her eyes gleaming with playful confidence. "You know, I¡¯m accepting suitor applications, but only from those who meet my high standards. Naturally, the bar is set way too high for you, so you should probably prepare yourself for rejection in advance."


    "Just fuck off and get to the red line," I muttered, finally allowing my true feelings to surface¡ªirritation. Every word she spoke seemed designed to poke at my nerves.


    Myrrh smirked, undeterred. "You know, it wouldn¡¯t kill you to praise me every once in a while, Zaft. I seem to recall you rating me a perfect ten out of ten?"


    "Yeah, yeah. You¡¯re beautiful. Ten out of ten. Moving on." I waved her off, the sarcasm practically dripping from my words. "Too bad your personality¡¯s a solid zero. If only you could distribute some of those points from your looks to your character, but even then, you¡¯d barely scrape a five at best."


    Myrrh¡¯s playful pout deepened, her lips forming an exaggerated frown. "Geez, you¡¯re so annoying," she huffed, crossing her arms. "Sorry for being all looks and having a trash attitude! Hmph!"


    She turned away in mock offense, but I could still see the glint of amusement in her eyes. She enjoyed this back-and-forth as much as I did, though I¡¯d never admit it.

 Chapter 8 – Balloon Popping Test

    Chapter 8 ¨C Balloon Popping Test


    For the Weaponry Basics class, our instructor is Professor Bang. He¡¯s a middle-aged man with a white, scarred face, giving him a rough, battle-hardened look. His brown hair is styled into a sharp mohawk, and a neatly groomed, suave mustache rests above his lips. Like us, he wears the standard military uniform, but the medals gleaming on his chest set him apart, marking him as a seasoned war veteran.


    We support students gathered in a neat row on the blue line, while our WAIFUs stood ready on the red line across from us. Professor Bang raised his megaphone to amplify his already booming voice, making sure no one could miss a word.


    ¡°Listen up, maggots! Today, I¡¯m going to teach you the basics of weapons! You support students have unlocked your WEEBs at Level 3! We¡¯ll be using those weapons for this class. But first, WAIFU maggots, transform into your Frame Unit Mode!¡±


    ¡°R-roger!¡± the WAIFU students responded with crisp salutes. They lifted their morphers high into the sky, their voices in unison as they called out, ¡°Frame Unit, Awaken!¡±


    In an instant, towering beams of light surrounded the girls, and they transformed into massive, gleaming mechas, each one ready for the next command.


    ¡°Now, support maggots, activate your WEEB and materialize the Beam Rifle!¡± Professor Bang barked.


    Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Myrrh¡¯s enormous mech form staring at me, her glowing blue eyes fixed on me like twin spotlights. She was probably dreading that I might summon the wrong weapon again, like I did yesterday. I just shrugged and gave her a casual smile, hoping it would make her a little more nervous.


    But unlike what Myrrh might be thinking, I was ready to take things more seriously this time. I tapped the [Weapons] option on my bios display and selected [Beam Rifle].


    ¡°Beam Rifle, Equip!¡± we all called out as we pointed our hands toward our partner Frame Units. In response, each mecha¡¯s dominant arm materialized a sleek beam rifle, the weapon humming to life.


    Professor Bang¡¯s voice boomed again, ¡°Now, WAIFU maggots, you¡¯ll see the number ¡®30¡¯ on your beam rifles. That¡¯s how many shots you¡¯ve got. When that number hits zero, you¡¯ll be out of ammo, and your beam rifle is done for¡ªso don¡¯t waste it.¡± Without skipping a beat, he continued, ¡°Now, support maggots, spawn laser swords for your partners!¡±


    We quickly switched to the [Laser Sword] option, and once again, we aimed at our Frame Units. ¡°Laser Sword, Equip!¡±


    In an instant, each mecha had a laser sword hilt appear at their waist, though it remained inactive, waiting for a command to ignite.


    Professor Bang gave us a stern reminder, ¡°Listen up, support maggots! You can summon as many weapons as you want for your partners, but there¡¯s a catch. Every extra weapon adds weight, slowing them down. Worse, you could cause them to injure themselves if they¡¯re overloaded. It all comes down to your timing. You need to think before you spawn anything!¡±


    His words weighed heavy as we realized how crucial our decisions were in battle.


    Professor Bang grabbed his tablet from the table, tapping a button with a quick motion. Suddenly, balloons began popping up all over the area, floating and bobbing unpredictably.


    ¡°Now, WAIFU maggots, pop as many balloons as possible using any weapon or method you can! Support maggots, keep track of the ammo and hit ¡®reload¡¯ when needed. You¡¯ve got sixty seconds! Timer starts¡­ now!¡±


    Balloons rained down endlessly in the WAIFUs'' zone, creating a chaotic but colorful battlefield. I fixed my eyes on Myrrh, who was aiming at balloons that floated high in the air, some fifty meters above the ground.


    The beam rifles fired relentlessly, turning the skies into a dazzling display of laser beams. Myrrh¡¯s accuracy was near perfect¡ªeach blast she fired managed to hit at least two balloons, her focus unbroken as she cleared the targets with precision.


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    ¡°Zaft! Reload!¡± Myrrh¡¯s voice came through, sharp and urgent.


    ¡°R-right!¡± I stammered, quickly navigating the bios and pressing the [Reload] button. The empty magazine from her beam rifle dropped to the ground, vanishing as a fresh clip materialized with another thirty shots ready to go. Without missing a beat, Myrrh started firing again.


    Pew! Pew! Pew! The seconds ticked by, and after twenty more, Myrrh had already exhausted her second magazine. I moved to reload her weapon again, but before I could tap the button, Myrrh let the beam rifle fall from her hand.


    "What the hell are you doing?" I asked, confused as Myrrh tossed aside her beam rifle.


    "Forget it! Reloading takes too much time!" Myrrh snapped back, pulling the laser sword from her waist with a quick, determined motion. Without hesitation, she charged toward the floating balloons.


    With every swing of her laser sword, Myrrh sliced through at least five balloons, the blade humming as it cut the air. Her thrusters ignited, and she launched herself into the air, slashing at the balloons that were floating higher, her movements fluid and precise. Her new approach was even more effective¡ªballoons were popping left and right, far faster than before.


    Thirty seconds remained. I glanced at the WEEB and had a sudden idea. "What if I launch another laser sword without canceling the first one?" I whispered to myself.


    Without overthinking it, I embraced a ¡°fuck it, we ball¡± mindset and pressed the [Laser Sword] option again. I raised my hand toward Myrrh, feeling the adrenaline rush.


    "Second Laser Sword, Equip!" I shouted.


    A second laser sword materialized in Myrrh¡¯s left hand, and she immediately began slashing with both hands, wielding the dual swords like a pro. Balloons popped twice as fast now, her speed and precision doubling. She seemed to be having a blast, cutting through the floating targets effortlessly.


    Just as the action reached its peak, a sharp whistle cut through the air.


    "Exam is over, maggots!" Professor Bang bellowed through the megaphone. In an instant, all the Frame Units shifted back into their humanoid forms, the training session finally coming to an end.


    Professor Bang strode over with a smile, his eyes gleaming as he looked at Myrrh. "Miss Myrrh Alicent, your balloon-popping skills are remarkable. You scored the highest in this class."


    Myrrh flicked her hair back, her voice cool. "It''s just a basic skill."


    "And you," Professor Bang said, turning his proud gaze toward me, "you broke the system of this test. Good job."


    "T-thank you, Professor," I stammered, feeling the warmth of praise I wasn¡¯t used to. I wasn¡¯t sure how to react, and my voice faltered under the unexpected compliment.


    The professor raised his megaphone once more. "Listen up, maggots! You may have noticed during the test that reloading has a time lag. Some of you caught onto that and switched to using your laser swords to pop the balloons. Remember this: switching to your sword is always faster than reloading. Class dismissed!"


    Finally, the second day of classes had ended, and it was time to head home. As the students gathered and chatted with their partners, I noticed Myrrh being surrounded by a group of excited WAIFUs.


    ¡°That was incredible, Miss Alicent! Please teach us how to aim with those heavy beam rifles!¡±


    ¡°Miss Myrrh! You were amazing with those laser swords! I didn¡¯t know you could dual wield like that!¡±


    ¡°I love you, Miss Myrrh Alicent! Please make me your wife and give me babies!¡± one of them cried out, her face flushed with admiration.


    Myrrh seemed to take it all in stride, basking in the attention as her fellow WAIFUs practically worshipped her for her stellar performance.


    I couldn''t tell exactly who said that last line about babies, but I was sure it was a girl based on the voice. I guess even lesbian WAIFUs aren''t immune to Myrrh¡¯s charm.


    On another note, Myrrh was definitely soaking up the attention for her impressive performance. Even though she¡¯s technically my enemy, I couldn¡¯t deny how impressive she always is. She¡¯s earned the nickname ¡°Mary Sue,¡± even if the title is thrown around a bit too casually.


    ¡°Hey, bro,¡± someone tapped my left shoulder, snapping me out of my thoughts. I turned to see my brown-haired classmate. I remembered him well since he sat in front of me during our first-period classes on the fourth floor. ¡°You were pretty awesome there too,¡± he said with a grin. ¡°How did you figure out we could spawn two of the same weapon?¡±


    ¡°Just curiosity, I guess,¡± I replied with a sheepish smile, scratching my cheek.


    ¡°Man, you and Myrrh make quite the team. You two seem to know each other already,¡± he said, looking impressed.


    ¡°You could say that,¡± I shrugged, ¡°but we¡¯re not friends.¡±


    ¡°Are you two lovers?¡± a new voice chimed in. It was his partner WAIFU, a stunning girl with pearl-colored skin, long silky-smooth hair, and golden eyes.


    ¡°Hell no!¡± I blurted out, my face heating up instantly.


    ¡°Oh, I thought you two were lovers because I always hear you having a spat every now and then,¡± the jade beauty said with a playful glint in her golden eyes. ¡°Or maybe that¡¯s just your love language¡ªplaying hard to get?¡±


    ¡°Believe me, we just genuinely hate each other,¡± I replied with a sigh.


    ¡°Hahaha, I don¡¯t know about that,¡± Neil said with a chuckle. ¡°Oh, where are my manners? I should introduce myself. I¡¯m Neil Orbeus, and this is my WAIFU partner, Fei Xian. Nice to meet you.¡±


    ¡°Nice to meet you both. I¡¯m Zaft Callahan,¡± I said, shaking Neil¡¯s hand.


    Fei Xian gave a polite bow. ¡°I hope we can get along well throughout the school year.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but think how much more pleasant things would be if Myrrh had Fei Xian¡¯s charm. Not only was she cute and beautiful, but she was also genuinely polite and friendly.

 Chapter 9 – Smells like Lavender

    Chapter 9 ¨C Smells like Lavender


    Classes had ended for the day, so after chatting with my new friends, Neil and Fei, I headed to the locker room to change. I slipped back into my school¡¯s gray uniform, feeling its familiar fabric settle on my shoulders.


    After grabbing my bag, I started walking through the quiet corridors. As I passed by the large windows, my eyes were drawn to the expansive shooting range outside. I watched as student WAIFUs and their support units participated in an advanced shooting competition, their mechs firing precise laser beams at popping plywood targets. The support students stood by as spotters, shouting commands and giving directions to guide their WAIFU partners.


    The sight amused me, so I decided to head down to the lower floors for a closer look. Just as I approached the stairs, I heard someone calling my name, loudly and urgently.


    "Zaft!"


    I turned around and saw Myrrh rushing toward me, clearly in a state of disarray. Her uniform was a mess, her skirt hung loosely, and she¡¯d even forgotten to put on one of her thigh-high socks. She looked flustered and out of breath.


    "Now what?" I asked, a bit puzzled.


    "Huff, puff¡­" Myrrh bent over, gasping for breath before glaring at me with a cute pout. "Jeez, you sure are quick to slip away as soon as classes end, aren¡¯t you?"


    "And you¡­" I grinned, glancing at her disheveled appearance. "You seem to be in the middle of changing. What''s going on?"


    "I just¡­ I just wanted to thank you." Myrrh¡¯s expression softened as a blush crept across her cheeks, making her look even more adorable. "You were amazing back there, and your quick thinking with the system and your street smarts helped me score the highest on that test."


    I wasn¡¯t sure if it was really ¡°street smarts¡± that made me activate the second laser sword. Honestly, I just tapped it out of curiosity. But I wasn¡¯t going to pass up any praise, especially from Myrrh Alicent. Being complimented by a beautiful woman definitely does wonders for the soul.


    "R-right," I replied, trying to play it cool. "You were amazing too. You¡¯re the one who nailed all those balloons with your perfect aim and slashing skills."


    For a moment, Myrrh looked surprised, her eyes wide. Then her face turned bright red, like a tomato. She quickly stood up straight, crossing her arms and turning away with a huff.


    "I-It was nothing!" she stammered, clearly flustered. "Of course, I¡¯d pop all those balloons easily! That test wasn¡¯t even hard!" And just like that, Myrrh¡¯s prickly attitude made its return.


    ¡°It was just a basic skill,¡± we both said at the same time. Myrrh and I glanced at each other before breaking into laughter.


    "Anyway¡­" Myrrh shifted her mood again, her expression softening into a calm, happy smile as she extended her fist toward me. ¡°Thanks for giving it your best.¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± I replied, meeting her fist with my own.


    <><><>


    By the time I finally made it back to the dormitory, it was four in the afternoon. The long day of practical exams had left me feeling exhausted and hungry. I quickly heated some water in my electric kettle and poured it over my cup of instant ramen, the familiar scent of the noodles filling the small room.


    While waiting for them to cook, I flopped onto my bed and let out a deep sigh. The memory of being praised by both my professor and Myrrh lingered in my mind, filling me with a warm sense of pride. The rush of dopamine lifted my spirits, and I found myself raising a clenched fist in the air.


    ¡°I guess today was a pretty good day,¡± I muttered to myself, a small smile creeping onto my face. ¡°This is the first time I¡¯ve ever aced an academic test.¡±


    Back in high school¡¯s special curriculum, I had never come close to acing anything. I was always the weakest among the strongest. Sure, I was smart, but there were others who were way smarter. Maybe being at the bottom of that pack made me a bit of a troublemaker back then.


    As for Myrrh, I don¡¯t think she was ever an honor student. Her academics were pretty average, and the only thing that kept her motivated was her reputation and her involvement in extracurriculars. She worked as a peace officer in the student council and was also part of the taekwondo and judo clubs¡ªprobably because she loved using her moves to take me down every chance she got.


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    Thinking of Myrrh, I suddenly remembered the pink handkerchief she returned to me earlier this morning. I sat up and rummaged through my bag until I found it.


    ¡°There it is,¡± I said with a grin, pulling out the familiar handkerchief. Lying back down on my bed, I held it up close to examine it.


    The fabric felt as soft as I remembered, but now it was even smoother, freshly washed. A delicate lavender scent wafted from it, even from a meter away. I brought it closer to my nose, inhaling deeply until the handkerchief touched my face. The fragrant smell was almost intoxicating.


    ¡°It really does smell like lavender,¡± I muttered to myself, my heart unexpectedly skipping a beat. The scent stirred something inside me, a strange feeling I couldn¡¯t quite understand. Maybe it was because this handkerchief had once been full of Myrrh¡¯s snot?


    ¡°Yuck,¡± I quickly said, pulling the handkerchief away and tossing it to the other side of the bed. But then, I glanced at it again. Myrrh had said she¡¯d washed it repeatedly, so any germs had to be long gone by now.


    Honestly, I didn¡¯t know what I was thinking or saying at this point. With a sigh, I decided to focus on my cup ramen and move on from the weird thoughts.


    <><><>


    The next day, our schedule started with WEEB 101. Our instructor for the day was Professor Chaldeas, a man who looked like your stereotypical otaku in his thirties. He had a scruffy, uneven shave, messy black spiky hair, and a tall, thin frame with pale skin. His tired, half-closed eyes made him seem perpetually bored, and his disinterest was obvious as he stood at the front of the room.


    To make the class even more uninspiring, Professor Chaldeas simply read the lesson straight from the textbook in a droning voice.


    "Uh¡­ since this is WEEB 101, I¡¯ll be teaching you about the system we use to enhance the battle capabilities of Frame Units," Professor Chaldeas began, his voice as lifeless as his appearance. "WEEB stands for Weaponry Enhancement Engineering Bios. It¡¯s an operating system developed by Treenity Innovations and was prepared for military use in Xyraxis about twenty years ago, when the first Cosmic Beasts attacked Earth."


    He set his textbook down, finally making use of the hologram projector to display diagrams. The glowing images flickered into view as he continued, still sounding somewhat disconnected from the material.


    ¡°WEEB is a system-based interface that levels up as you¡¯re granted clearances. Right now, you all have clearance to use weapons up to Level 3. Next week, we¡¯ll be upgrading your clearances to Level 4, and you¡¯ll unlock¡­ what was it you¡¯ll unlock at Level 4 again?¡±


    The professor squinted at the textbook, fumbling with the hologram controls as the room fell into an awkward silence. The seconds dragged on, with no one daring to speak. I could feel the boredom setting in, and soon the long stretch of dead air became unbearable. I fought to keep my eyes open, but eventually, my body betrayed me.


    "Yaaaaawn," I sighed, trying to stifle the sound.


    Before I could finish, Myrrh, the ever-watchful, whispered sharply beside me, "Hey, it¡¯s rude to yawn in the middle of a discussion."


    Rolling my eyes, I shot back quietly, "Oh, so I should be like Mister Discreet over there." I nodded toward one of our classmates sitting in front of us, who was dozing off with his head tilted to one side, completely zoned out.


    Right in front of us, Neil Orbeus was fast asleep on his desk, completely out like a baby. His partner, Fei Xian, was still technically awake, but just barely. Her head swayed back and forth as if she were on the verge of passing out. Her eyes were open, but it was obvious she was pretending to pay attention while her consciousness slowly slipped away.


    Suddenly, the bell rang from the top floor of the campus, signaling the end of the day¡¯s class.


    ¡°Wah!¡± Neil jerked awake, startled by the loud sound.


    ¡°Eeek!¡± Fei shrieked too, startled not only by the bell but also by Neil¡¯s sudden movement. She clutched her chest, clearly rattled.


    ¡°These two really are made for each other,¡± Myrrh muttered with a smile that seemed both amused and exasperated.


    Meanwhile, Professor Chaldeas had already started packing up his books and gadgets, moving at his usual sluggish pace. He looked up at us briefly and said, "Uh¡­ please read chapters 2 to 4. That¡¯ll be our topic next week. Have a good weekend." His voice was as lifeless as ever as he shuffled out of the room like a zombie.


    Around me, the students began gathering their things, most of them yawning and stretching, trying to shake off the drowsiness brought on by such a dull class. Conversations sprang up as they turned to their partners, excitedly discussing weekend plans.


    I, too, started packing up, relieved that it was finally Friday. Thankfully, we didn¡¯t have any practical exams to exhaust us today. I couldn¡¯t believe I¡¯d already survived my first week at Orbital Tech. Now, I was free from the academic grind¡ªat least until Monday¡ªand ready to enjoy the weekend ahead.


    Since it was Friday, I suddenly remembered a certain unpaid debt from earlier in the week. My mind drifted back to the first day, and I knew exactly who still owed me.


    I glanced over at my partner, Myrrh, who was happily humming a tune while packing up her things, completely oblivious to the cold stare I was giving her. She continued her carefree song, unaware of the storm brewing right next to her.


    "Hey, Myrrh," I called out, my voice flat and serious.


    "Yes?" she responded, still cheerful as ever.


    "Do you remember that tea time we had last time?" I paused for effect, narrowing my eyes. "Pay up."


    My tone was icy, and it caught her off guard. Myrrh forced a smile, clearly trying to dodge the tension. "Always straight to the point, aren¡¯t you?" She let out a small chuckle before quickly adding, "How about I treat you to a meal tonight instead?"

 Chapter 10 – Sammelplatz Diner

    Chapter 10 ¨C Sammelplatz Diner


    I had been waiting for about ten minutes in front of the girls'' dormitory, checking the time every so often. It was already five in the afternoon. I watched as female students walked in and out of the building. I even noticed a familiar face¡ªa male student who used to wait with me by the entrance. Now, he was with his partner, ready to head off together.


    Standing there, I probably looked like one of those guys waiting patiently for his girlfriend. Some of the female students glanced at me, maybe assuming I was waiting for someone special. I glanced down at my outfit¡ªa black and blue checkered polo shirt, unbuttoned, with brown pants. I wore them just in case Myrrh picked a spicy restaurant. To be honest, I did look like I was waiting for a date. But I had dressed up because Myrrh mentioned she¡¯d be treating me to a fancy dinner.


    I checked the time again, starting to feel a little impatient. After what felt like forever, my fifteen-minute wait finally ended. Stepping out of the dorm was Myrrh, the reason I was here.


    She looked stunning. Myrrh was wearing a short white dress paired with thigh-high, high-heeled boots. A blue corset cinched her waist and highlighted her curves, pushing up her cleavage just enough to be noticeable. Her long lime-green hair flowed down her back, and she had winged hairpins above her ears, adding a delicate touch to her look.


    ¡°So¡­ shall we go?¡± Myrrh asked, leaning in with an adorable smile on her face.


    ¡°Y-yeah,¡± I replied, quickly looking away to avoid her cute expression. ¡°But you made me wait.¡±


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t the wait worth it?¡± Myrrh teased, her smirk playful. ¡°I mean, you¡¯re about to have dinner with a beautiful girl like me.¡±


    ¡°Just so you know, you¡¯re the one paying tonight,¡± I reminded her, trying to stay composed. ¡°I¡¯m more interested in the free meal than the ¡®date.¡¯¡±


    ¡°Fine, fine,¡± she sighed, pulling back and groaning. ¡°No wonder you¡¯ve never had a girlfriend with that attitude,¡± she muttered, pouting.


    ¡°Stop picking a fight and let¡¯s get going. I¡¯m starving,¡± I said, stepping forward.


    ¡°Ugh, you¡¯re so annoying,¡± she grumbled under her breath. I decided to ignore her complaints, thinking it was safer not to push my luck¡ªwho knows what she might do to my food if I gave her a reason.


    Myrrh quickly caught up as we left the university grounds and walked along the sidewalks. With the sun already setting, the neon lights of the cyberpunk metropolis, Xyraxis, were beginning to shine brightly. The entire city seemed to come alive. Giant advertisements glowed atop the towering buildings, their colors reflecting off the glass windows. The streets grew noisier with a strange mix of 1950s music playing from nearby speakers, while hologram screens flashed everywhere, showing off the latest trends and products.


    I wasn¡¯t sure where to go next. I slowed down and eventually stopped, waiting for Myrrh to take the lead. Noticing I had paused, she turned back to look at me, a curious expression on her face.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Zaft?¡± she asked, tilting her head slightly.


    ¡°Ladies first,¡± I replied, gesturing for her to go ahead.


    She smirked, a knowing look in her eyes. ¡°Wait, does that mean¡­ this is your first time in the metropolis?¡± Her smug grin only widened.


    I froze for a moment, surprised by how quickly she had figured it out. My cheeks flushed red as I glanced away. ¡°So what if it is?¡± I mumbled, feeling a little embarrassed.


    ¡°You mean to tell me you survived your first week of university life without ever stepping into the city proper?¡± Myrrh asked, her eyes wide with astonishment. ¡°So for five whole days, it was just dorm and school for you?¡±


    ¡°Why on earth would I even bother going into the metropolis?¡± I replied, crossing my arms defensively. ¡°We can get meals at the cafeteria or order food with an app. And there¡¯s no need for textbooks when we can just download electronic copies online.¡±


    ¡°What about entertainment?¡± she asked, raising an eyebrow.


    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got my laptop and phone for games. As long as I have my gadgets, I¡¯m set,¡± I shrugged, thinking my point was solid.


    Myrrh scrunched her face in disbelief. ¡°What are you, a cave troll? Xyraxis Metropolis has every kind of entertainment you can think of. It¡¯s strange that you¡¯ve never even considered skipping class or spending your free time exploring this cyberpunk city. Wait¡­ don¡¯t tell me¡­¡±


    I swallowed hard, sensing where she was going with this. Myrrh had always been good at reading me, ever since high school. She probably knew exactly what I was thinking.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re scared of getting lost in the city?¡± she grinned, eyes sparkling with amusement. "Boo hoo. Do you need your mama to hold your hand, you manchild?


    ¡°Ack!¡± I stammered, caught off guard by how easily she had nailed it. "Shut up!"


    She hit the bullseye once again. I had learned my lesson on my very first day in Xyraxis. I was late to class because my sense of direction, especially in crowded cities and huge universities, is terrible. The idea of getting lost in this vast cyberpunk city terrifies me, so I never took the risk.


    Noticing my reaction, Myrrh¡¯s teasing grin softened into a genuine smile. She started twirling a strand of her lime-green hair between her fingers. ¡°If you want, I¡¯d be happy to show you around. I can take you to all the exciting places,¡± she offered.


    ¡°S-sure,¡± I replied, scratching the back of my head, embarrassed by how easily she had read me. ¡°That¡¯s really kind of you.¡±


    ¡°Well, you¡¯re so helpless. I guess I¡¯ll be your guide around Xyraxis,¡± she said with a playful smile. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    She began skipping ahead cheerfully, and I followed along. Soon, we arrived at a massive mall with a grand arc at the entrance. The building was covered in moving holographic billboards advertising food, clothes, motorcycles, and even undergarments.


    ¡°This is our first stop¡ªwelcome to the all-famous Cyberpunk Megamall!¡± Myrrh exclaimed, gesturing proudly to the massive structure. ¡°You might¡¯ve seen it in commercials back on Earth. It¡¯s super famous for having the best selection of stylish clothes, trendy souvenirs, and even a rooftop water park! If you ever get lost, just head northwest and follow the sidewalk until you reach the university grounds.¡±


    Myrrh was about to continue talking, but then a loud groan interrupted her. It was my stomach. I had only eaten a light lunch and skipped snacks, so now my body was loudly protesting for food.


    ¡°Myrrh¡­¡± I muttered, trying to hide my discomfort. ¡°The acid in my stomach is threatening to revolt.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha¡­¡± Myrrh forced a laugh. ¡°I see you weren¡¯t exaggerating earlier about being hungry. Let¡¯s head to the plaza, and I¡¯ll treat you to a nice meal. Follow me!¡±


    She took the lead once again as we walked to the east side of the megamall. We arrived at a block lined with classy restaurants, each offering a variety of delicacies. Some even served food from Earth. One restaurant specialized in Asian cuisine, while others focused on European and American dishes.


    Myrrh stopped in front of a charming, wood-themed restaurant lit up with neon orange lights. The sign at the entrance flashed its name¡ªSammelplatz Diner. The place had an intriguing mix of cyberpunk and classic aesthetics, blending the old-world charm with modern technology.


    ¡°We¡¯re here,¡± Myrrh said, opening the door. We stepped inside, immediately greeted by a warm, romantic atmosphere. The chandelier lighting gave the place a cozy, fire-like glow. Though it was busy, I noticed most of the tables were designed for two, making it seem like a popular spot for couples.


    We found a table near a large glass window with a view of the bustling highway outside. Once we sat down, a waitress came over and handed us the menus.


    ¡°Feel free to order whatever you like! It¡¯s my treat today!¡± Myrrh said with an adorable smile.


    But I wasn¡¯t going to let her charm distract me. I had learned my lesson from last time, when I ended up paying because she conveniently ¡°forgot¡± her cash. I wasn¡¯t about to fall for that again.


    ¡°Did you actually bring enough money this time?¡± I asked, my tone cold.


    ¡°Of course!¡± Myrrh pouted, reaching into her pouch and showing me a wallet stuffed with bills. ¡°What do you take me for?¡±


    ¡°A gold digger,¡± I replied flatly.


    ¡°Fuck you, Zaft! Hmph!¡± She crossed her arms and puffed out her cheeks, her face turning a shade of pink. ¡°Just order already, and pick whatever you like!¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but be amused by her reaction. With a grin, I opened the menu, scanning through the options. There was a lot to choose from¡ªgiant burgers, overloaded pizzas, ice cream shakes, and even healthy salads. The sheer number of choices made it hard to decide, so I figured I¡¯d ask for her recommendation.


    ¡°What¡¯s their best seller?¡± I asked.


    Myrrh¡¯s pout turned into a smile. ¡°I love their Sammelplatz Pizza! It¡¯s the best seller, and I get a slice every day.¡±


    I glanced at the picture of the Sammelplatz Pizza on the menu. It was massive, loaded with thick layers of meat and cheese, almost like a regular pie. Bacon, pepperoni, ham, and a pile of vegetables were stacked on top, making it look both indulgent and filling.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t these things loaded with calories?¡± I asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°Huh? Ummm¡­¡± Myrrh blushed, her confidence faltering for a moment. ¡°W-well, that¡¯s why I only have one slice a day. And¡­ I make sure to exercise every morning so I don¡¯t gain weight. So it¡¯s fine, hahaha¡­¡± she laughed awkwardly.


    I couldn¡¯t help but glance at her figure, trying to be subtle about it. Myrrh always managed to keep her waistline slim, but her curves were impossible to ignore. Her chest strained against her clothes, and her hips had a fullness that definitely caught the eye. Maybe all those calories were going straight to her best assets, and honestly, it wasn¡¯t a bad thing at all.


    ¡°You creep,¡± Myrrh muttered, her face flushed as she pouted and quickly covered her cleavage with her arms.


    I froze, realizing I had been caught in the act.

 Chapter 11 - Archonlight Tower

    Chapter 11 - Archonlight Tower


    ¡°Mmmm! Sammelplatz Pizza is the best!¡± Myrrh giggled, her eyes sparkling with delight as she took a bite of the rich, savory pizza.


    Strings of melted cheese stretched from her lips to the slice, long and glistening, refusing to snap until she slurped them up with a playful grin. The greasy sheen of the perfectly cooked ground beef gleamed on her lips, catching the soft light of the diner.


    I had never seen Myrrh so animated, especially over something as simple as pizza. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and for a moment, the ever-perfect Mary Sue facade seemed to crack. It was only now that I learned Sammelplatz Pizza was her favorite, a small but crucial detail that opened a new dimension of understanding. Behind the flawless exterior, she had her own guilty pleasures, quirks, and cravings¡ªjust like anyone else. Just like any other girl.


    My eyes drifted back to the table. Myrrh had ordered an entire Sammelplatz Pizza, with eight thick slices dripping in cheese and toppings, and didn¡¯t hold back when it came to our meal. There were also two glistening blueberry cheesecakes waiting as dessert, and a couple of frosty club sodas to wash everything down. This pizza, generously sized to serve a family of four, seemed like no challenge to Myrrh. She was already halfway through it, her appetite insatiable, while I had only just managed to finish my first slice.


    To be fair, the Sammelplatz Pizza was a culinary marvel, the kind of pie that redefined pizza for me. Every bite was a perfect harmony of gooey cheese, succulent meats, and a crust that was equal parts crispy and soft. The flavor was almost overwhelming, a savory explosion that left my taste buds craving more.


    But as I wiped my fingers, slick with oil, I couldn¡¯t help but think of the grease. I wondered if I was also indulging in a recipe for future hypertension. One slice was good¡ªincredible even¡ªbut a second might have me seeing God.


    ¡°By the way¡­¡± Myrrh said, her voice slightly muffled as she chewed, still savoring the stringy cheese lingering in her mouth. ¡°Why did you enroll in Orbital Tech?¡±


    I blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift in conversation. ¡°What? Is the university only for people like you¡ªthe daughter of a war heroine?¡± I shot back, half-joking, half-curious myself.


    Myrrh paused, swallowing her bite before speaking again, her tone now more composed. ¡°I¡¯m just curious. Ever since the first day, I¡¯ve wondered why someone like you¡ªa hooligan¡ªwould choose to enroll in a prestigious school like Orbital Tech.¡±


    ¡°Sorry for tainting your school then.¡± I forced a smile, though it felt more like a mask than anything genuine. ¡°But being a support unit for WAIFUs has always been my dream, ever since I was in kindergarten.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Myrrh tilted her head slightly, her bright eyes narrowing in curiosity.


    I glanced at her, surprised by the sincerity in her gaze. She wasn¡¯t just asking to be polite¡ªshe genuinely wanted to know. Oddly enough, I had never really shared the full story with anyone before. Sure, I¡¯d mentioned my plan to my high school friends, telling them I wanted to enroll in Orbital Tech to work as a support unit, but most of them assumed it was just some surface-level admiration. A simple dream, born from a fan¡¯s obsession.


    But that wasn¡¯t the case at all. In truth, the roots of my ambition went far deeper, back to when I was just a kid, barely four years old. I had idolized Mirana Alicent since that time. Looking at Myrrh now, with her genuine curiosity, it felt like she deserved to know the real story. But putting those feelings into words was harder than I thought. The last thing I wanted was for her to misunderstand or dismiss it.


    ¡°Well¡­¡± I muttered, feeling the heat rising in my cheeks as I awkwardly scratched at my blushing face. ¡°I was saved by a WAIFU when I was little. Since then, I¡¯ve had this childhood crush on the heroine who saved me. She became my inspiration and gave me the dream to work as a support engineer for the next generation of WAIFUs.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm... So that''s how it is,¡± Myrrh mused, nodding slowly as she reached for her club soda. She took a long sip through the straw, seemingly processing what I had said. ¡°This childhood WAIFU crush of yours... who is she?¡±


    ¡°Mirana Alicent,¡± I answered quietly, my voice carrying a reverence that I hadn¡¯t intended.


    ¡°Oooh, Mirana Alicent,¡± Myrrh repeated, her tone still casual as she took another sip.


    One. Two. Three. It took exactly three seconds before her brain caught up with her mouth. Her eyes flew wide open, and in the next moment, she was coughing, sending a spray of club soda everywhere in a dramatic spit-take. The carbonation hit the air with a sharp fizz as she choked out a shocked gasp.


    Luckily, my reflexes kicked in just in time. I dove beneath the table, narrowly avoiding the unexpected soda shower.


    ¡°What the fucking fudge!¡± I yelped as I emerged, shaking droplets off my sleeve and settling back into my seat.


    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Myrrh coughed a few more times, the fizz of the soda lingering in her throat. She hurriedly wiped the residue from her lips and nose, her face flushed with a mix of surprise and embarrassment.


    ¡°Mi-mi-mi-mi¡­ Mirana Alicent!?¡± Myrrh gasped, her voice trembling with a mix of astonishment and disbelief. ¡°T-that¡¯s my mother, you know!¡±


    ¡°I-I know,¡± I stammered, forcing a smile that felt more like a grimace. ¡°I figured you¡¯d react like this, so go ahead¡ªfeel free to laugh at my childhood dream.¡±


    Myrrh took a deep breath, placing a hand over her chest as she tried to steady herself. After a moment of calming down, she opened her eyes just enough to give me a stern, thoughtful look. Her expression softened, though there was a flicker of serious contemplation in her gaze.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to laugh at your childhood dream,¡± she said, her voice steadying. ¡°You¡¯re connected to my mother¡¯s legacy. Laughing would be like laughing at her. I can¡¯t do that.¡±


    ¡°Good point,¡± I replied, nodding in understanding. ¡°But speaking of legacies, why did you choose to have your genetic code modified into a WAIFU?¡±


    Myrrh leaned back slightly, flicking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. She rested her chin on her hand, her posture exuding a blend of thoughtfulness and determination. ¡°For the same reason you did¡ªadmiration to my mother,¡± she said, her eyes meeting mine with a serious glint. ¡°I wanted to follow in my mother¡¯s footsteps, to live up to her legacy as the great war heroine. I¡¯m doing this both for her and for myself.¡±


    ¡°Ooooh,¡± I murmured, feeling a deeper appreciation for her motives. I had suspected as much, but hearing her articulate it herself added a layer of authenticity to her story. ¡°I¡¯d really like to meet your mother someday and get her autograph.¡±


    Myrrh studied me intently, her gaze lingering for a full second before she let out a resigned sigh. Her eyes narrowed slightly, though her expression softened quickly into a more thoughtful look. ¡°Are you still free after this?¡±


    ¡°Well, yeah,¡± I replied, taking a leisurely sip of my club soda. ¡°I don¡¯t have any plans back at the dorms. We don¡¯t have curfews on weekends, right?¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s face brightened with a smile. ¡°Great. Let¡¯s visit her after this.¡±


    I glanced at the remnants of the pizza on the table. Despite Myrrh¡¯s ravenous appetite, she decided to box up two slices to take with us. Given that we were heading to see her mother, it seemed clear that the slices were intended as a gift.


    <><><>


    The city was already cloaked in the deep blues and blacks of evening, but the cyberpunk metropolis below us buzzed with life. Neon lights flickered, casting a vibrant glow over the throngs of young adults partying in the bars. I noticed a few students from Orbital Tech among the revelers, their laughter and chatter blending into the city¡¯s energetic pulse.


    We navigated past the festivities and made our way to a footbridge offering a panoramic view of the cityscape. There, I spotted an otherworldly lighthouse, a breathtaking spiral structure rising proudly at the heart of the metropolis. Its alien design seemed to stretch upwards for hundreds of floors, illuminated by a soft, white circuit-like glow that reminded me of the Frame Units.


    ¡°That is the Archonlight Tower,¡± Myrrh said with the air of a seasoned tour guide. ¡°It emits an invisible shield that protects the metropolis from the Cosmic Beasts that come from space. The reason Xyraxis has never fallen is because of this defense system.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve read about it online,¡± I said, my voice tinged with awe. ¡°But seeing it in person, it¡¯s even more imposing than I imagined¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a technological marvel,¡± Myrrh remarked, her voice tinged with admiration. ¡°I¡¯ve heard that there are plans to build Archonlight Towers for Earth in the future, but I¡¯m not sure what¡¯s holding them back.¡±


    I chuckled and turned to Myrrh with a playful grin. ¡°You seem to know a lot about Xyraxis. Why don¡¯t you become a tour guide instead of pursuing your dream of becoming a full-fledged WAIFU?¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s lips curled into a smirk. ¡°I became a WAIFU to fight for justice and keep an eye on delinquent goons like you.¡±


    Her response was so unexpectedly intense that I was left momentarily speechless. The idea of her becoming a WAIFU just to act as a sort of high-tech police officer seemed a bit extreme, but it fit perfectly with Myrrh¡¯s larger-than-life sense of justice.


    ¡°No smart comeback?¡± Myrrh teased, her expression smug. ¡°Let¡¯s get going, then.¡±


    <><><>


    We walked in silence for the next few minutes, the lively atmosphere of the city gradually fading away as we approached a tall, rectangular building emblazoned with the sign ¡°Xyraxis General Hospital.¡± The starkness of the sign and the imposing structure made it clear that something serious was about to unfold. The mood between us shifted to something more somber, and I kept my snarky remarks to myself.


    We entered the hospital and took the elevator in silence. The metallic hum of the elevator and the soft, almost eerie glow of its lights accentuated the heaviness of the moment. It was just the two of us in the small, confined space. I glanced at Myrrh, who wore a tired, wistful smile. When she caught me staring, she adjusted her smile, trying to appear reassuring.


    ¡°My mother¡­¡± Myrrh began, her voice soft and reflective. ¡°She¡¯s become something of a shadow of her former self, so try to keep your expectations in check. As the saying goes, ¡®never meet your heroes.¡¯ But in this case, it¡¯s for a completely different reason.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind,¡± I said with a shrug, deciding to lighten the mood with a joke. ¡°So, is your mom single?¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s eyes flashed with annoyance as she rolled her eyes dramatically. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure to shove my single foot up your ass if you keep it up,¡± she retorted with a smirk.


    The elevator doors chimed open, and we stepped out into the dimly lit corridor of the hospital. The sterile scent of antiseptic filled the air as we walked towards the end of the hall. Myrrh led the way, her steps echoing softly on the polished floor. She pushed open the door to the room, and what lay beyond was a poignant contrast to the heroic image I had always held in my mind.


    There, lying in the hospital bed, was Mirana Alicent¡ªthe legendary heroine of my youth. But the sight was far from what I had imagined. The vibrant energy that once defined her was now replaced with a frail, almost ghostly presence. She had lost her right eye, covered with bandages, and her once-powerful frame was now gaunt and frail. Despite her condition, she managed a warm, if somewhat weary, smile as she saw us enter.


    ¡°Oh, Myrrh,¡± she greeted, her voice soft yet tinged with surprise. ¡°I thought you were coming to visit tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°I wanted to visit you tonight, Mother,¡± Myrrh replied with a gentle smile. ¡°And my partner here¡ª¡± she gestured towards me, ¡°¡ªhe¡¯s been eager to get your autograph.¡±


    As Myrrh introduced me, I noticed a flicker of shock pass across Mirana¡¯s face. Her eyes widened, and she seemed momentarily taken aback by my presence.

 Chapter 12 – Mirana Alicent

    Chapter 12 ¨C Mirana Alicent


    ¡°You look familiar,¡± Miss Mirana Alicent remarked, her voice soft yet carrying an air of quiet authority.


    She tilted her head slightly, a subtle motion that stirred a strange pang of nostalgia within me. It was an unconscious gesture, one I had seen Myrrh do countless times. The resemblance between them, even in their mannerisms, was unmistakable¡ªa clear sign they were mother and daughter.


    ¡°U-umm...¡± My words faltered as I awkwardly scratched the back of my head, fumbling to find something impressive to say. My heart pounded in my chest, and my thoughts tangled in a frantic scramble. After all, here I stood, face-to-face with the woman who had been my childhood heroine, a figure I had idolized for years. ¡°I-I¡¯m Zaft Callahan, Myrrh¡¯s partner at the university. I¡­ I was the kid you rescued fourteen years ago during the Christmas Siege.¡±


    Recognition flashed in her eyes, and a warm smile touched her lips. ¡°Oh, right. You¡¯re that lone survivor from the kindergarten home, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    The memory stirred, its edges sharp and raw despite the years. The Christmas Siege¡ªone of the most infamous events in human history¡ªhad unfolded fourteen years ago, when the Cosmic Beasts launched their large-scale assault on Earth. It was the second time the planet had faced these monsters head-on.


    That night was meant to be festive, filled with laughter and the scent of gingerbread in the air. At our Catholic-run kindergarten, we had been celebrating a Christmas party. There were fifteen kids, two teacher nuns, and a single security guard. But when the Cosmic Beasts descended, their rampage laid waste to the city. The kindergarten, a place once brimming with innocence and joy, was utterly destroyed. All the children, the two nuns, and even the security guard¡ªeveryone was massacred.


    Everyone, except me.


    The details had blurred in my mind over the years, my brain having tucked them away, perhaps to protect me from the trauma. All I could truly recall were the scenes of chaos¡ªthe crumbling rubble, the metallic tang of blood in the air. The horror of it should have scarred me for life, but instead, it ignited a resolve deep within me. I had held onto a singular dream: to support the WAIFUs in battle, just as Mirana Alicent had saved me. To me, she wasn¡¯t just a hero¡ªshe was everything I aspired to be.


    I glanced at Myrrh, whose wide eyes and slightly parted lips revealed her surprise. It wasn¡¯t often she saw me vulnerable, let alone heard about the shadowed parts of my past. She probably had no idea that I carried such heavy memories, though, to be fair, I had long since moved past them. Still, her reaction stirred something awkward in the air, and I shifted uneasily.


    Then, breaking the silence, Myrrh gave a small, knowing smile before turning to her mother. ¡°He¡¯s the hooligan I told you about from high school.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Miss Mirana Alicent¡¯s eyes widened slightly, her hand fluttering to her chest as she gasped. ¡°I recall you saying he was quite the troublemaker back then. But now, you¡¯ve brought him here?¡± Her gaze flicked between the two of us, and a mischievous twinkle brightened her expression. ¡°You only ever introduced Ephraim to me in the past, but since the breakup¡­ I see now! You¡¯ve found yourself a new suitor. Ah, the wonders of love!¡±


    ¡°No! We¡¯re not lovers!¡± Myrrh¡¯s voice shot up in an instant, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.


    ¡°S-she¡¯s right! We¡¯re definitely not lovers,¡± I stammered, caught off-guard, quickly backing her up even though it felt strange to agree with her on anything, let alone this.


    Miss Mirana Alicent tilted her head, still smiling, but now with a playful curiosity. ¡°So, are you two just friends, then?¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s brow furrowed, and she placed a hand on her hip. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say we¡¯re friends either.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not even acquaintances, right?¡± I chimed in, glancing toward Myrrh as I tried to make sense of our odd relationship.


    ¡°True,¡± Myrrh admitted, a soft smile tugging at her lips. ¡°But we¡¯re not strangers either, since we do know each other.¡±


    ¡°Enemies then,¡± I said with a smirk, leaning into the playful tension between us.


    ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s settle with ¡®enemies,¡¯¡± Myrrh agreed, a faint smile tugging at her lips, almost as if she enjoyed the label.


    Miss Mirana Alicent raised an eyebrow, her expression shifting into a smug, knowing grin. ¡°It¡¯s so curious how you two consider yourselves enemies, yet here you are, introducing me to a boy other than Ephraim. Very peculiar.¡±


    Myrrh let out an exaggerated sigh, rolling her eyes. ¡°It¡¯s not that deep. Zaft here wanted your autograph. He¡¯s had a crush on you since forever, and¡ª¡± she paused, clearly trying to contain her frustration, ¡°he even asked if you were single earlier.¡±


    A glint of amusement sparkled in Miss Mirana¡¯s emerald-green eyes as she turned her gaze to me. ¡°Is that true?¡± Her voice was sweet but teasing, and it made my heart thud in my chest.


    I felt heat creeping up my neck. ¡°Y-yes Ma''am¡­ I wanted an autograph,¡± I stammered, my face flushing with embarrassment. Desperate to salvage some composure, I fumbled through my pockets for a piece of paper or a pen, but of course, I hadn¡¯t thought to bring anything. Panic bubbled up. If only I had a marker, I would have asked her to sign my shirt just to not lose the moment.


    ¡°Uh, Myrrh? Do you happen to have a pen?¡± I asked, feeling more awkward by the second.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for a pen,¡± Miss Mirana said softly, her voice warm and soothing. ¡°Come here.¡±


    She beckoned me closer, and before I could fully grasp what was happening, her slender, pale arms reached out, gently pulling me toward her. My body froze as she leaned in, her presence overwhelming. And then, her soft lips pressed against my forehead in a tender kiss.


    The world seemed to spin. My heart skipped several beats, and I could feel my face turn crimson. Her warmth lingered on my skin, while my mind buzzed with an intoxicating mix of embarrassment and awe. My thoughts dissolved into a mess of nervous energy as I stood there, blushing furiously, my heart racing like never before.


    ¡°This is better than the autograph, isn¡¯t it?¡± Miss Mirana¡¯s voice was soft, yet it carried a playful undertone as she looked down at me, her green eyes sparkling with amusement.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°Y-yes,¡± I mumbled, barely managing a nod, my face still flushed from the kiss. My heart was still racing, and I felt like I could barely hold myself together in her presence.


    Then, with a mischievous glint in her eye, she turned to Myrrh. ¡°Hey, Myrrh. How would you feel about him being your stepfather? Because if he¡¯s not your suitor, he just might be mine.¡± She winked, a smug grin spreading across her face.


    ¡°Yuck.¡± Myrrh visibly cringed, her expression twisted in disgust as she headed for the door. ¡°I¡¯ll go get some drinks, because clearly you two are thirsty,¡± she said, the sarcasm dripping from her words.


    ¡°Just kidding!¡± Miss Mirana let out a laugh and finally released me, though her eyes were still twinkling with amusement. She turned to her daughter, the playfulness still evident in her tone. ¡°Get me a lime soda pop, will you?¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± Myrrh said, glancing briefly at me. ¡°How about you, Zaft?¡±


    ¡°Huh? Uh, root beer, please,¡± I managed to say, my mind still struggling to keep up with the whirlwind of emotions.


    ¡°Okay,¡± she replied, flashing a quick smile before disappearing out the door, leaving me alone with Miss Mirana Alicent¡ªmy childhood heroine.


    The air shifted the moment the door closed behind Myrrh. The playful, teasing atmosphere evaporated, and suddenly, the room was filled with a more serious, almost intimate energy. Miss Mirana turned toward me, her gaze soft and kind, reminiscent of how my late grandmother used to look at me¡ªwarm, full of trust and understanding. For a moment, it felt as if she could see through me, past the nervous boy standing before her, to something deeper.


    All the lighthearted banter was gone, replaced by a weighty silence. The gravity of the moment pressed down on me, and I found myself unable to look away from her. This was no longer the celebrity heroine I¡¯d idolized from afar, but someone real, someone who had stepped into my life in ways I hadn¡¯t expected.


    ¡°I know that you and Myrrh may have started on the wrong foot, but please,¡± Miss Mirana''s voice softened, her tone almost pleading, ¡°give her a chance. She may come across as a perfectionist, always trying to keep things in line, but beneath all that, she¡¯s just a normal, fragile girl.¡±


    I nodded, feeling a wave of understanding wash over me. ¡°W-well, it¡¯s no wonder people look up to her, both back in high school and now at the university. She¡¯s always so composed, excelling in every test. It¡¯s like she¡¯s got this unshakable image she has to maintain.¡±


    Miss Mirana smiled, her eyes reflecting something deep and maternal. ¡°Every night, she calls me to tell me about her day. She always mentions you, though not always in the most flattering terms. To her, you¡¯re an ¡®immature smart-aleck goon,¡¯¡± she said with a chuckle, ¡°but even so, she knows you¡¯re kind and trustworthy. She¡¯s told me how much she owes you, and¡­¡± Miss Mirana hesitated, her gaze growing softer. ¡°She regrets being so strict with you back in high school.¡±


    Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. ¡°Well, all those clashes we had back then were mostly my fault,¡± I admitted with a weak smile. ¡°Myrrh was just doing her job as a student council member. She¡¯s not to blame for anything.¡±


    I couldn''t believe the words coming out of my mouth. Admitting defeat to Myrrh, the girl I had loathed for so long, felt foreign to me. But as much as I didn¡¯t want to make her look bad in front of her mother, the truth was, I had been wrong all those years. The tension between us was mostly my doing.


    Miss Mirana gave me a warm smile. ¡°I still don¡¯t believe that you two are enemies, as you claim. The way you interact¡­ you fit together like cheese on a pizza. There¡¯s a chemistry between you¡ªone I never saw with her ex-boyfriend.¡±


    I chuckled, shaking my head. ¡°No, no. I¡¯m pretty sure she loved Ephraim more than anything... well, maybe except Sammelplatz Pizza. She has a serious love for that.¡±


    Miss Mirana chuckled weakly, her eyes filling with a bittersweet nostalgia. ¡°That pizza has been her comfort ever since their breakup. She¡¯s been stress eating for months now¡ªabout six, if I remember right. Sammelplatz Pizza has been her go-to, even though she¡¯s noticed the weight gain. But more than the pizza, I think she just needs someone to talk to, someone who understands her best.¡±


    There was a long, weighted pause as Miss Mirana¡¯s gaze settled on me, her green eyes glimmering with something I couldn¡¯t quite place. She held my stare for a moment longer before she spoke, her voice soft yet filled with intention.


    ¡°I think that someone is you. Please, take care of Myrrh.¡±


    Her words hit me like a wave, and for a moment, I was speechless. It felt heavy, like a dying testament or a parent¡¯s blessing for a marriage I hadn¡¯t even considered. Was she really entrusting me with that kind of responsibility? After all, I owed my life to her¡ªit was a debt I could never fully repay. Maybe this was her way of asking me to try.


    ¡°I¡­ I can¡¯t make any promises,¡± I managed, my voice a little shaky, but I gave her a small, genuine smile. ¡°But I will try.¡±


    Just as those words left my lips, the door creaked open¡ªslowly, almost too quietly, as if someone had slinked in like a cat. It was Myrrh, her footsteps so light I hadn¡¯t even heard her approaching. When she stepped into the room, her face was slightly flushed, and there was a faint, shy smile playing on her lips.


    ¡°One lime soda pop, and one iced coffee,¡± Myrrh announced, distributing the drinks with a calm efficiency.


    ¡°Hey, wait a minute,¡± I exclaimed, looking down at the iced coffee. ¡°I thought I asked for root beer!¡±


    Myrrh scowled, her brow furrowing. ¡°That¡¯s the only other drink available. The vending machine didn¡¯t have root beer. Take it or leave it.¡±


    For a second, I wanted to argue, but with Miss Mirana watching us with that amused smile, I decided to drop it. I took a sip of the iced coffee, resigning myself to my fate, while Myrrh¡¯s mother observed the whole exchange with clear delight.


    ¡°Myrrh,¡± Miss Mirana spoke softly, her voice gentle but purposeful.


    ¡°Yes, mother?¡± Myrrh tilted her head slightly, the gesture so similar to her mother¡¯s that it made me smile.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you show Zaft the best view in Xyraxis?¡±


    ¡°The secret base?¡± Myrrh¡¯s eyes lit up, and she broke into a wide smile. ¡°Good idea!¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s hand wrapped around my wrist, her grip firm yet gentle as she looked at me with a gleam in her eyes. ¡°Zaft, I want to show you something.¡±


    ¡°O-Okay,¡± I stammered, standing up awkwardly, unsure of what to expect.


    As we moved toward the door, I glanced back at Miss Mirana, who waved us off with a warm smile. ¡°Take care!¡± she called out, her voice echoing softly in the hallway.


    Curiosity gnawed at me as Myrrh led the way to the elevator. The "greatest view" in Xyraxis? In a hospital, no less? My mind started running wild, trying to make sense of it. Maybe this ¡°secret base¡± was some kind of metaphor, or¡­ well, maybe it was something else entirely. My thoughts veered into ridiculous territory, imagining ¡°secret base¡± being some sort of flirtatious code, like first base, second base, and¡ªwell, let¡¯s not go there. I mentally shook my head, reminding myself not to get too ahead of things. Still, I couldn¡¯t help but wonder where this was leading.


    The elevator dinged softly, and we reached the topmost floor of the hospital. Myrrh led me toward the emergency exit, where a narrow staircase spiraled upward. At the top, there was a small metal door, the kind you''d see leading to the roof of a building. With a quick glance back at me, Myrrh pushed it open, and we stepped into the night.


    The moment we emerged onto the rooftop, I was left breathless.


    The sky stretched out before us like an endless canvas, dotted with the most vibrant, surreal colors. The Milky Way shimmered overhead, a swirling sea of pink, magenta, indigo, and gold stars twinkling in the infinite expanse. Meteor showers streaked across the sky, leaving trails of multicolored light in their wake, like brushstrokes on a cosmic painting. It was nothing short of magical, and the beauty of it all made my heart race.


    But the true marvel was just beyond the horizon. At the edge of the skyline, where the distant skyscrapers met the heavens, I could see the gentle curve of Earth¡ªa stunning blue arc peeking out from beneath the vast sky. The planet shimmered in the soft glow of space, adding an otherworldly touch to the dreamlike atmosphere.


    Myrrh skipped playfully ahead, her movements light and carefree. She reached the railings and effortlessly hopped up to sit on the edge, her posture relaxed. The soft light of the stars bathed her milky white skin, making her look almost ethereal. Her blue eyes sparkled with a mischievous light as she spread her arms wide, letting the wind catch her long, lime-green hair, which swayed gracefully in the breeze.


    ¡°Welcome to my secret base,¡± she said, her voice carrying a playful lilt. She shot me a wink, her smile warm and inviting. ¡°Don¡¯t tell anyone about it, okay?¡±

 Chapter 13 – Trash Can

    Chapter 13 ¨C Trash Can


    My jaw dropped as I stood there, utterly captivated. Words in any language seemed inadequate to capture the sheer magnitude of what lay before me. The vastness of deep space stretched endlessly beyond, where stars twinkled like scattered diamonds, and meteors streaked across the heavens in fiery trails.


    Beneath it all, the soft glow of cityscape lights mingled with the gentle curve of planet Earth, creating a breathtaking view. And right in the middle of it¡ªMyrrh, perched delicately on the railing. Her silhouette framed by the celestial backdrop transformed the moment into something otherworldly, as if an angel had descended into the heart of the night.


    ¡°It¡¯s... beautiful,¡± I whispered, unable to fully convey the wonder that filled me.


    ¡°I know, right?¡± Myrrh¡¯s smile was gentle, her eyes sparkling with the same awe I felt. ¡°You¡¯re the first person, besides my mother, to see this incredible view from the hospital rooftop.¡±


    ¡°You mean, none of your friends have seen this? Not even your ex?¡± I asked, surprised.


    Myrrh shook her head, her smile never fading. ¡°Nope. Only you. I would have loved to share it with Ephraim, but I found it too late. When my mother got seriously ill after we graduated high school, we had to move permanently to Xyraxis. That¡¯s when I stumbled upon this spot.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s kind of a shame, then. You showed it to me, an immature, smart-aleck goon.¡± I couldn¡¯t help but smirk.


    Myrrh¡¯s cheeks flushed pink, and she shot me a sharp glare, her expression brimming with playful contempt. ¡°Just how much did my mother tell you about me?¡±


    I shot her a skeptical look, narrowing my eyes. ¡°Just how much of our conversation did you listen to, you eavesdropper?¡±


    I had suspected from the start that she was lurking behind the door to her mother''s room earlier. Myrrh only showed up once I finished speaking with her mother, and the unnerving silence in the hallway had given her away¡ªtoo quiet, like she¡¯d been deliberately hiding her presence just beyond the door.


    With a soft sigh, Myrrh admitted, ¡°Since the topic was all about me, I couldn¡¯t help but listen in. It¡¯s pretty rude for my mother to talk about me behind my back, so I figured I was just returning the favor.¡±


    ¡°Sure, sure. Keep justifying yourself. Maybe you should go explain it to a wall,¡± I replied, brushing her off with a dismissive wave.


    Myrrh stepped away from the railing, her brows furrowing in frustration as her blue eyes locked onto me. She planted one hand on her hip, pointing accusingly with the other. Her voice was a low growl, simmering with annoyance. ¡°Just so you know, don¡¯t take everything my mother said too seriously. She¡¯s still upset about Ephraim and me breaking up, so now she¡¯s playing matchmaker. And for the record, that will never be you, got it?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, yeah.¡± I waved her off nonchalantly. ¡°We¡¯re enemies, remember?¡±


    Crossing her arms with a huff, Myrrh spun away from me. ¡°Good. As long as you keep doing your job as my partner and remember your place as a complete lowlife, we¡¯ll be just fine. Hmph!¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but force a tight-lipped smile. As much as I admired her beauty earlier, I could barely tolerate her attitude now. I¡¯d compared her to an angel once, but it¡¯s becoming more obvious that her personality was more like a biblically accurate one¡ªformidable and terrifying in ways you¡¯d never expect.


    ¡°You and me, getting along like cheese on a pizza? Absolutely not! Not in a million years!¡± Myrrh continued her rant, voice dripping with conviction.


    There she goes again, acting all tough and cocky. But she¡¯s not wrong. We¡¯ll never see eye to eye, not even if hell freezes over or if Earth gets overrun by Cosmic Beasts. We¡¯re more like oil and water¡ªcompletely incompatible. But honestly, Myrrh isn¡¯t just oil in this scenario. She¡¯s more like grease, given how filthy her mouth can be when she gets riled up.


    She leaned forward, resting her arms on the railing as she gazed up at the breathtaking night sky. Stars twinkled above, their light casting a soft glow on her face. ¡°But, honestly, Zaft,¡± she began in a quieter tone, ¡°I¡¯ve been wrong about you.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± I approached the railing, drawn closer by her change in demeanor. ¡°Wait, are you starting to get all soft on me now?¡±


    Myrrh glanced at me from the corner of her eye, her lips curling into a small smirk. ¡°I¡¯m still a girl, you know. I can be soft sometimes, even to a good-for-nothing delinquent like you.¡± Her voice held a strange warmth, a mix of teasing and sincerity. ¡°Yeah, I used to see you as just that¡ªa worthless troublemaker. Back in high school, that¡¯s all you were to me. But when I broke up with Ephraim, I was kind of relieved that you were there.¡±


    ¡°Correction: he dumped you,¡± I replied, unable to resist the smirk creeping onto my face. ¡°And for the record, I wasn¡¯t being nice. I just wanted a front-row seat to see your snotty, bratty crying face up close. But you were so ugly when crying so I decided to help you up. Consider it my way of repaying you for letting some of my violations slide in those late high school days.¡±


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    She huffed, rolling her eyes but not entirely annoyed. ¡°That may be, but it doesn¡¯t explain why you helped me with my grades during these last exams.¡± Her voice softened again as she placed a hand over her chest, her expression shifting into something more vulnerable. ¡°You don¡¯t know what that meant to me, Zaft. My entire future¡ªand my mother¡¯s¡ªdepends on my scholarship. Her pension barely covers her medical bills and our daily expenses. Without that scholarship, I wouldn¡¯t be able to continue studying at Orbital Tech. That¡¯s why, when we met again on the first day, I confronted you. I might be prideful, but for my dream of becoming a full-fledged WAIFU, I¡¯d throw away every shred of pride I have.¡±


    I remained silent, waiting for Myrrh to gather herself. Her blue eyes were welling up with tears, and for once, all the sarcastic comments and tasteless jokes I usually had at the ready were shelved.


    ¡°My mother... she used to be seen as the perfect woman,¡± Myrrh began, her voice trembling. ¡°We were famous because of her. She was a war heroine. But our lives were never as perfect as they seemed. My father left us for another family, and my mother¡ªshe got sick. Her body never recovered from the damage she took in those battles with the Cosmic Beasts. It made her weak, and I became the only one she could depend on. I always pushed myself, trying to impress her, trying to come out on top. That¡¯s why I became so prideful, so arrogant. It was all a cover for how imperfect my life really was.¡±


    Tears began to spill from her eyes, trailing down her cheeks. She wiped them away quickly, but the red, swollen traces remained. Her sniffles filled the air, and to be honest, the sight of her snot creeping from her nose was a bit gross. But still, seeing her like this, so raw and vulnerable, overpowered any discomfort I felt.


    ¡°I know people hated me for acting like I was perfect,¡± she continued, her voice cracking. ¡°But I couldn¡¯t stop. I can¡¯t afford to relax, even for a second. If I could just forget all my problems, just curl up and cry until the pain was gone... I¡¯d do it in a heartbeat. But I can¡¯t. I have to keep pushing. I have to give everything for my mother and me to survive.¡±


    Her tears weren¡¯t stopping anytime soon. She tried desperately to wipe them away, but it was no use. So I moved closer, resting my hand on her head, giving her a gentle pat. Her lime-green hair felt incredibly soft under my fingers, like petting the smoothest, silkiest dog. Myrrh tensed for a moment but then relaxed, the weight of her burdens briefly easing as she let herself be comforted.


    ¡°I know you¡¯re full of trash, but you can still do it. That¡¯s why I''m calling you a trash can, not a trash cannot,¡± I said in a serious tone, holding out the pink handkerchief she had returned to me just a few days ago.


    ¡°Pffft!¡± Myrrh sputtered, spitting out tears as she tried¡ªand failed¡ªnot to laugh. She took the handkerchief from my hand and, without a second thought, blew her nose into it like it was the most natural thing in the world to do with someone else¡¯s handkerchief. ¡°You really are a weird person, Zaft. Was that supposed to cheer me up?¡±


    ¡°Well, you did laugh,¡± I said with a shrug. ¡°It¡¯s my duty as your enemy to insult you, even if it ends with you smiling.¡±


    ¡°Ha-ha-ha,¡± she mock-laughed, rolling her eyes. Then her gaze softened as she looked at me. ¡°Sorry if I got a little too bleak and serious there for a moment. I just needed someone to listen to my problems, but I can¡¯t tell these things to my mother.¡±


    ¡°What am I, your personal feedback box where you can dump all your complaints about your shitty life?¡± I asked, feigning disappointment.


    ¡°Maybe,¡± she said with a smug grin, her cheeks blushing faintly. She raised her index finger, teasing me. ¡°So just be a good boy and don¡¯t add to my headaches.¡±


    ¡°Fine, whatever floats your boat, Myrrh,¡± I replied, relenting with a sigh. ¡°I¡¯ll help you until the midterms are over.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± she said, satisfied. Then, in a surprising move, she reached up and returned the gesture, patting my head. Her fingers ran through my hair, and suddenly my heart began skipping beats. I should¡¯ve swatted her hand away, but the gentle stroke of her fingers was... oddly soothing. Ecstatic, even. My cheeks flushed with heat, betraying my usual calm demeanor.


    This is bad. I¡¯m catching feelings. I need to change the topic now before I actually fall for this girl.


    ¡°Anyway, mind if I take a picture of this place? My family would love to see the view from Xyraxis,¡± I asked, trying to sound casual.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Myrrh said with a playful smile. ¡°Just don¡¯t tell anyone where you found it.¡± She pressed a finger to her lips, making a shushing gesture.


    Once she stopped treating me like a pet, I pulled out my phone and snapped a few shots of the breathtaking panorama. But after three photos, I realized something: just taking pictures of the landscape felt a little... bland. The view was stunning, sure, but it needed something extra. Without thinking twice, I flipped the camera to selfie mode.


    I took two selfies, but on the second one, I noticed an unexpected addition¡ªMyrrh, smugly photobombing with a peace sign.


    ¡°Can you please not ruin the background?¡± I muttered, glaring at her.


    Myrrh just shrugged, completely unfazed by my complaint. Instead, she reached into her pocket and handed me her own phone. ¡°Can you please take a picture of me, too? Please?¡± she asked, her voice laced with faux sweetness.


    She said the magic word¡ªplease¡ªtwice, no less. I guess I¡¯ll be a good dog and comply.


    Myrrh perched herself on the railing, framed perfectly by the stunning backdrop: the endless dark sky illuminated by meteor showers, the glowing cyberpunk cityscape beneath, and, just behind her, the majestic sight of planet Earth. She smiled, and for a brief moment, her beauty seemed to amplify the entire scene, blending effortlessly with the cosmic view.


    ¡°One... two... three... Say biiiiitch!¡± I called out, grinning.


    The camera shutter clicked, and just like that, I had captured what I could only describe as my personal Mona Lisa¡ªthe most incredible picture in existence.


    ¡°Hey, let me see!¡± Myrrh jumped down from the railing, excitement lighting up her face.


    But then, something strange happened.


    The once-brilliant lights of the metropolis flickered and died, plunging the entire city into darkness. The towering buildings, once alive with vibrant neon, now stood like shadowy monoliths, eerie and foreboding. The distant hum of civilization was replaced by an unsettling silence, as if the world itself was holding its breath.


    Up in the sky, a dozen of massive meteors appeared, streaking downward in a direct line toward the city.

 Chapter 14 – Blackout

    Chapter 14 ¨C Blackout


    Because of the power outage, everything in the sprawling metropolis sank into darkness. The towering skyscrapers, usually bathed in neon and electric hum, now stood as looming black silhouettes against the night. The only light came from the stars, their faint twinkle barely cutting through the gloom. Yet, a far more ominous glow illuminated the city¡ªthe fiery trail of massive meteors streaking across the northern sky before crashing violently into the planet.


    A blinding mushroom cloud surged upward, turning night into a brief, blazing dawn. Moments later, a thunderous shockwave rippled through the air, vibrating the very sky.


    ¡°What was that?¡± I muttered, my voice barely audible beneath the rising wind.


    Then came the delayed explosion, a deafening roar that seemed to tear through the atmosphere itself. The force was so intense that even Myrrh, who always faced danger with a smirk, cried out and clasped her ears in pain.


    ¡°Kyah!¡± she shrieked, crumbling to the ground.


    The ground beneath us trembled like a beast waking from slumber. Glass windows shattered in unison, sending shards cascading like a deadly glittering rain onto the darkened streets below. The once-pristine skyline was now littered with the glitter of broken glass, reflecting the chaos in sharp fragments.


    It became harder to see. The outage left the city in a suffocating void of shadow. Only the pale glow of the night sky and the distant Earth hanging low on the horizon, illuminated by the reflection of the sun, provided any trace of light.


    Myrrh stood shakily, trying to regain her composure, but her wide, panicked eyes betrayed her fear. Her voice trembled as she turned toward me, gazing back at the destruction with disbelief. ¡°No way¡­ Xyraxis has never had a power outage before. Even the Archonlight Tower¡­ it¡¯s completely dark!¡±


    ¡°What does this mean?¡± I asked, my own voice hollow, as if the answer would bring something far worse than a simple explanation.


    Myrrh shook her head frantically. ¡°Let¡¯s go back!¡±


    Without hesitation, we bolted toward the emergency exit, our footsteps echoing in the darkened hospital halls. The downward spiral of the stairs stretched before us, endless and foreboding. With the elevators dead due to the blackout, our only option was the stairwell. Thankfully, faint blue LED backup lights flickered on, casting eerie shadows on the walls and barely illuminating our descent.


    After what felt like an eternity, the primary lights flickered back to life, filling the stairwell with a harsh, sterile glow. Relief washed over me for a split second, but that momentary comfort was shattered by the hospital''s PA system crackling to life, its voice cold and urgent.


    ¡°Attention to all people in the Xyraxis Hospital. You are instructed to vacate the premises and follow the nurse¡¯s guide to your designated underground bunker. I repeat, all people in Xyraxis Hospital. Please vacate the premises and proceed to the underground bunker.¡±


    A shiver ran down my spine, like icy fingers brushing my neck. An inexplicable dread crept into my chest, mingling strangely with an unsettling thrill that made my heart race. Something terrible¡ªsomething beyond my understanding¡ªwas happening.


    ¡°What the hell is going on here?¡± Myrrh muttered under her breath, her eyes wide and fearful as we continued down the stairs.


    After what felt like hours but was only three minutes, we reached Miss Mirana''s room. She was already standing, supported by a nurse, her face pale but relieved.


    ¡°Myrrh, Zaft¡­ Thank goodness you¡¯re okay,¡± Miss Mirana said, her weak smile a small comfort amidst the chaos.


    Before we could respond, the nurse raised her voice urgently. ¡°You two! Follow me to the underground bunker immediately! You¡¯ll be safe there.¡±


    Myrrh and I exchanged uncertain glances. My mind raced, questions swirling faster than I could process. But before I could speak, my watch vibrated, and a soft blue hologram flickered to life from the WEEB system on my wrist.


    [Attention: All Support Students, please assemble at Orbital Tech Applied Kinetics University and standby.]


    At the same moment, Myrrh¡¯s morpher flickered to life, projecting a hologram identical to mine.


    [Attention: All WAIFU Students, please assemble at Orbital Tech Applied Kinetics University and standby.]


    Miss Mirana¡¯s eyes shifted between the two holographic messages before she smiled, a weary yet satisfied expression crossing her face. ¡°Looks like you two are up. I don''t think you freshmen will be deployed immediately, but the university may assign you to defend the grounds once the Vanguard is stretched thin and needed reinforcements.¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s face softened, her usual fiery demeanor faltering for a brief moment. ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry, mother¡­ it¡¯s a call of duty,¡± she said, her voice tinged with sadness. A bittersweet smile tugged at her lips as she embraced Miss Mirana, clinging to her as if she didn¡¯t want to let go.


    Miss Mirana leaned in close, her voice barely a whisper. ¡°Be careful out there, Myrrh,¡± she said, before turning to me. ¡°And you too, Zaft.¡±


    I met her gaze and nodded, returning the gesture with a reassuring smile. Words felt inadequate in the face of what was happening, but the gravity of her concern settled heavily in my chest.


    As Myrrh released her mother, a silent understanding passed between the two of us. Her blue eyes, once clouded with fear, now burned with fierce determination. The intensity of her resolve sparked something inside me, filling me with a newfound sense of purpose. We shared a brief, resolute nod, and without another word, we sprinted down the corridor, leaving Miss Mirana and the nurse behind as they headed for safety.


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    ¡°Hey, Myrrh, where exactly are we going?¡± I called out as we rounded a corner, our footsteps pounding against the cold, sterile floor.


    ¡°We need to figure out what¡¯s happening first,¡± Myrrh replied, her voice steady and serious, though the urgency was unmistakable. ¡°From the emergency announcements and the alerts on our devices, it¡¯s clear that Xyraxis is in grave danger. If we can get to a high vantage point, we might be able to assess the situation.¡±


    Myrrh and I finally reached the section of the hospital lined with tall glass walls. From here, we could see the chaos unfolding in the northern part of the cyberpunk city. Flames raged everywhere, casting an eerie red-orange glow against the once vibrant skyline. Among the inferno, the silhouettes of towering monsters loomed¡ªCosmic Beasts. There were five of them, wreaking havoc across the city. Buildings crumbled beneath their massive limbs as they rampaged, reducing everything in their path to ash and rubble.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe it,¡± Myrrh gasped, her breath catching in her throat as her wide eyes took in the destruction. ¡°Xyraxis has never been attacked by Cosmic Beasts for ten years. Why now?¡±


    I clenched my fists, staring out at the devastation. ¡°Maybe it has something to do with the power outage. Didn¡¯t you say the Archonlight Tower is what protects Xyraxis from the Cosmic Beasts? With the blackout, the city¡¯s defenses must have gone down, and in that window of vulnerability, the Cosmic Beasts broke through.¡±


    Myrrh nodded grimly, her eyes narrowing in realization. ¡°That¡¯s most likely it. It also explains the meteors that crashed in the northern part of the city.¡±


    The Cosmic Beasts usually travel through space as massive debris, their burning forms often mistaken for meteors when they enter Earth¡¯s atmosphere. It was only decades ago that humanity learned these "meteors" were actually living creatures.


    Suddenly, one of the Beasts¡ªa towering, thirty-meter-tall monstrosity¡ªemerged from the smoke and flames. Its massive, gorilla-like body moved with terrifying speed. Hundreds of grotesque, writhing tentacle-tails sprouted from its lower back, while a sunflower-shaped mane encircled its head, its petals glistening like metallic blades. With each thunderous step, it crushed smaller buildings beneath its feet and smashed through taller structures as if they were made of glass. And it was heading straight in our direction.


    ¡°This is bad!¡± Myrrh¡¯s voice trembled as she spoke. Her gaze flickered with fear. ¡°The hospital is still evacuating patients. If that Cosmic Beast reaches us¡­ then my mother¡­¡±


    Her words hung in the air, heavy with dread. The beast was closing in, unstoppable and merciless. The thought of it destroying the hospital and everything inside¡ªincluding Mirana Alicent¡ªsent a chill down my spine.


    Without warning, Myrrh grabbed a fire extinguisher from the wall, her movements swift and deliberate. Before I could react, she swung it hard against the glass wall with a loud crash. Shards flew everywhere, leaving a web of cracks splintering outward from the impact.


    ¡°What the hell are you doing?¡± I shouted, panic rising in my chest.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to fight that Cosmic Beast! Zaft, assist me!¡± she declared, her voice filled with fierce determination.


    "But we are ordered to assemble in-"


    Before I could finish my response, Myrrh leaped toward the fractured glass. Her body hit it with full force, shattering the wall into countless pieces that glistened like rain as they fell. In a blur of motion, she dived out from the seventh floor of the hospital, her silhouette against the burning cityscape. As she plummeted toward the street below, she raised her morpher high.


    ¡°Frame Unit, Awaken!¡± she shouted.


    In an instant, her body was engulfed in blinding light. Armor materialized around her, expanding and growing until she transformed into a towering, twenty-meter-tall mech. Its sleek, white-and-gold armor gleamed under the reflection of the distant fires, and glowing blue circuits pulsed across its form like veins of energy. Its neon-blue eyes lit up, casting a sharp glow across the battlefield.


    The gorilla-type Cosmic Beast roared in rage, its garbled voice an unintelligible mess of sounds.


    ¡°^*(HBKG((%^*NL%!¡±


    The monster, easily thirty meters tall, began its brutal charge toward the hospital. Its massive fists smashed into the ground, sending tremors through the street as it prepared to ram through the building.


    But Myrrh wasn¡¯t going to let that happen. With a powerful cry, she lunged forward and met the beast head-on, tackling it mid-charge. The ground trembled beneath their weight as the two collided, locked in a fierce grapple. Myrrh''s mech dug its massive right foot into the asphalt, the ground cracking under the pressure as she fought to hold the beast back.


    ¡°I won¡¯t let you destroy this place! Yaaaaaah!¡± Myrrh screamed with everything she had, pouring all her strength into the fight.


    Her mech¡¯s servos whined under the strain as she redirected the Cosmic Beast¡¯s momentum. With a sudden surge of power, she twisted its massive body to the left and hurled it across the street. The beast crashed into a nearby park, the impact sending chunks of concrete and trees flying. Its enormous form tumbled into the man-made lake, splashing water and debris everywhere, narrowly missing the surrounding buildings.


    Enraged, the Cosmic Beast rose from the lake, its deep, guttural growls shaking the ground.


    ¡°6BK()#@(NF)^!¡± it bellowed, slamming its gorilla-like arms into the earth with explosive force. Craters formed beneath its fists, tearing up what little remained of the park and throwing dirt and debris into the air. The ground quaked from its raw fury, but Myrrh stood firm, her mech¡¯s glowing blue eyes locked on the creature with unwavering resolve.


    Even though the WEEB system instructed us to assemble and standby at the University, we couldn¡¯t just leave the hospital unprotected. The patients were still evacuating, and if we didn¡¯t make our stand here, they¡¯d all be doomed. This was no longer a training exercise or a simulation. Shit just got real, and I had no choice but to fight alongside Myrrh or we¡¯d all be wiped out.


    I tapped the interface of my WEEB System, my heart pounding in my chest. A holographic display flickered to life, revealing my weapon options.


    [Weaponry Enhancement Engineering Bios]


    [Clearance Level 3]


    [Weapons Available: [Laser Sword], [Beam Rifle], [Light Shield]]


    I barely hesitated as I selected the laser sword and light shield options¡ªthis was close-quarters combat, and I needed to equip Myrrh for a direct fight. With a surge of adrenaline, I raised my hand toward her massive mech, shouting, ¡°Laser Sword, Light Shield, Equip!¡±


    As soon as the words left my mouth, blue circuits pulsed along my arm, crackling with energy. The same glowing lines appeared along Myrrh¡¯s mech, linking us in a flash of light. In her right hand, a shimmering, blazing laser sword materialized, the blade humming with raw power. In her left hand, a steel light shield formed, glowing faintly as it adjusted to absorb incoming damage.


    Myrrh wasted no time, gripping the sword tightly. She swung it through the air in sharp, precise arcs, the blade slicing through the space around her with a sharp hiss. Then, with a powerful roar, her leg thrusters activated. Jets of blue flame erupted from beneath her feet as she launched forward with a deafening jet engine roar.


    ¡°This will mark your end! Yaaaaaaah!¡± she screamed, her voice filled with fury and resolve.


    Her mech shot forward like a missile, closing the distance between her and the gorilla-like Cosmic Beast in an instant. The force of her charge kicked up a whirlwind of dust and debris, and the sound of her thrusters reverberated across the battlefield like thunder.

 Chapter 15 – Five Centimeters

    Chapter 15 ¨C Five Centimeters


    Myrrh let out a fierce battle cry as she charged forward, her laser sword gleaming in her hand like a beam of pure light. She pointed its tip directly at the towering gorilla-type Cosmic Beast, the air around them thick with tension. The beast pounded its massive chest in a threatening display, bellowing with a roar that shook the ground beneath them. It raised a colossal fist and brought it crashing down with terrifying force.


    In a flash, Myrrh darted backward, her mechanical limbs propelling her just in time to avoid the devastating blow. The beast¡¯s fist slammed into the earth, creating a massive crater that sent dust and debris flying in all directions. The ground trembled under the impact, but the beast¡¯s blow had landed on nothing but air and stone.


    ¡°Gotcha, bitch!¡± Myrrh shouted triumphantly, her voice dripping with confidence. She launched herself into the air, her movements a blur, and with a swift slash of her laser sword, she severed the Cosmic Beast¡¯s right arm cleanly at the joint. The detached limb tumbled across the cracked ground, rolling to a stop in the desolate, abandoned park.


    ¡°HH(()%@NF!¡± The Cosmic Beast let out a distorted, guttural wail, its voice a mix of fury and pain.


    ¡°Shut the hell up!¡± Myrrh growled, leaping forward with lightning speed. Her mechanical legs coiled, then released, delivering a brutal roundhouse kick that sent the enormous creature flying through the air. The beast hurtled several blocks away, crashing into the distance with a resounding boom.


    ¡°I think Myrrh¡¯s got this,¡± I muttered to myself, a small smile tugging at the corner of my mouth as I watched her dominate the battlefield.


    Even so, I couldn¡¯t shake the nagging sense of urgency. The hospital felt like a temporary sanctuary, but staying there wasn¡¯t an option. I needed to relocate. Thankfully, most of the patients had already evacuated, leaving the halls eerily empty. Now, I could ride the elevator down without any interruptions, though the quiet felt oppressive.


    The elevator descended quickly, but in the pit of my stomach, it wasn¡¯t fast enough. Myrrh was out there, risking her life against that monstrous beast, and every second counted. I glanced at my watch¡¯s display, pulling up the status of Myrrh¡¯s Frame Unit. So far, she had only sustained minor damage to her right arm and left leg. Her laser sword and light shield were still fully operational¡ªthank god for that.


    ¡°I just hope those weapons are enough until I get there,¡± I muttered under my breath, anxiety bubbling in my chest.


    The elevator chimed softly, a sound that felt almost out of place amidst the chaos unfolding outside. Finally, the doors slid open, revealing the empty, sterile expanse of the hospital¡¯s main lounge. It was deserted, eerily still, save for the flashing red alerts blaring from the hospital''s PA system and the repeating warnings on every monitor screen. Despite the absence of people, the alarms continued their grim chorus.


    I wasted no time, bolting through the vacant space, my footsteps echoing in the hollow silence. Once outside, I veered left, following the rumbling vibrations in the earth that pulsed beneath my feet. The tremors grew stronger with every step, a constant reminder of the battle waging just ahead.


    When I reached the man-made park, my breath caught in my throat. There, amidst the devastation, stood Myrrh in her fully transformed Frame Unit form, locked in combat with the massive, hulking form of the gorilla-type Cosmic Beast. Dust swirled around them as they clashed, their battle shaking the very foundations of the ground.


    ¡°K^(KNBIK^^&()(!¡± The Cosmic Beast howled, its deep, garbled voice vibrating through the air as it pounded its chest with its remaining arm, fury blazing in its eyes.


    ¡°Oh, getting mad now, are you?¡± Myrrh taunted with a sly grin, her voice dripping with confidence. Without hesitation, she charged forward, her movements a blur of mechanical precision.


    The beast roared in response, leaping high into the air, preparing to bring down its massive fist in a devastating hammer strike. But Myrrh was ready. With expert timing, she angled her light shield, tilting it just enough to catch the blow. The Cosmic Beast¡¯s attack crashed into the shield, but instead of absorbing the full force, the slanted shield deflected the impact downward. The beast¡¯s massive fist slid along the surface of the shield, its momentum redirected into the ground, sending shockwaves through the earth but leaving Myrrh unscathed.


    ¡°Smart move,¡± I thought, impressed by her tactical brilliance.


    ¡°Now, let¡¯s take away that other arm!¡± Myrrh roared, her voice full of fire. She leapt into the air, spinning like a whirlwind, the laser sword in her hand gleaming with lethal intent. In a dazzling display of skill, she brought the blade down in a swift, clean slash. The sword cut through the Cosmic Beast¡¯s left shoulder effortlessly, as though slicing through soft cheese, severing the remaining arm in one fluid motion.


    The Cosmic Beast staggered backward, its grotesque form convulsing as it prepared to let out another distorted, inaudible cry. But Myrrh didn¡¯t give it the chance. With lightning speed, she followed up her attack by ramming her light shield directly into the beast¡¯s throat. The impact was brutal¡ªso fierce that the Cosmic Beast choked, its monstrous form recoiling in shock and pain. Myrrh, showing no mercy, quickly jumped back, releasing her grip on the shield embedded in the creature¡¯s windpipe.


    Now free of the cumbersome shield, Myrrh¡¯s hand was empty¡ªtoo empty. Instinctively, I knew she¡¯d need a new weapon to finish the fight. My fingers flew across my WEEB System interface as I hurriedly selected the [Beam Rifle] option.


    ¡°Beam Rifle, Equip!¡± I shouted, thrusting my left hand toward Myrrh as though guiding the command with my very will.


    In the blink of an eye, Myrrh¡¯s left hand shimmered, and a sleek, powerful beam rifle materialized in its place. She wasted no time, quickly aiming the weapon at the Cosmic Beast¡¯s head. The rifle hummed ominously as it charged, and then¡ªwithout hesitation¡ªMyrrh pulled the trigger. A searing green laser erupted from the barrel, cutting through the air with lethal precision. The beam blasted straight through the beast¡¯s skull, a brilliant streak of energy that left a smoldering hole where its head once was.


    The Cosmic Beast stood frozen for a moment, as if the sheer power of the strike had stunned even its massive form. Then, with a slow, thunderous crash, it collapsed to the ground. The impact shattered the man-made park beneath it, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. The ground trembled one last time as the beast lay still, its reign of terror finally over.


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    We had won.


    ¡°I¡­ I did it!¡± Myrrh¡¯s voice rang out with excitement, her glowing blue eyes locking onto mine from across the battlefield. Her joy was contagious, radiating through her Frame Unit¡¯s towering, twenty-meter-tall body. ¡°No, we did it, Zaft! That¡¯s our first Cosmic Beast kill!¡±


    ¡°Y-yeah, good job,¡± I replied with a smile, raising my hand in a thumbs-up gesture. The pride in my chest swelled as I looked at her.


    Myrrh responded by pumping her fists in the air like an ecstatic teenager, her robotic form moving with a playful exuberance that seemed at odds with her giant, metallic frame. Even though she was currently a towering machine of war, the way she celebrated in that moment¡ªgleeful and innocent¡ªmade her irresistibly cute.


    However, our celebration was short-lived. The aftermath of the battle had drawn unwanted attention. From the shadows of the sky, another Cosmic Beast loomed¡ªthis one a monstrous, bat-like creature. Its towering, twenty-meter form sliced through the clouds as it soared, its grotesque features becoming clearer by the second. Its wings spread wide, leathery and jagged, with talons that resembled the deadly claws of a sloth. Eight glistening eyes, reminiscent of a spider¡¯s, locked onto Myrrh, gleaming with a predatory hunger.


    ¡°Gya0000000aggh@$!!¡± The bat-type Cosmic Beast shrieked, a deafening, unnatural cry that sent chills down my spine. It angled its wings, gliding toward us with terrifying speed, the air vibrating from the force of its flight.


    ¡°Myrrh!¡± I shouted in alarm, my heart pounding.


    ¡°I know!¡± she responded, her voice sharp with focus. Myrrh quickly raised her beam rifle, adjusting the scope with mechanical precision as she aimed at the rapidly approaching threat. Just as her finger tightened on the trigger, something unexpected¡ªsomething catastrophic¡ªhappened.


    Out of nowhere, a powerful beam of energy shot across the battlefield from a different direction, tearing through the air like a bolt of lightning. It slammed into Myrrh¡¯s right arm with devastating force. The explosion was instant and violent¡ªher arm disintegrated, metal chunks and sparks flying in all directions. The blast shook the ground as her frame unit recoiled from the impact.


    ¡°Kyah!¡± Myrrh screamed, her voice filled with pain as she crashed onto the asphalt, her massive body hitting the city street with a sickening thud. The ground cracked beneath her, and dust rose into the air, obscuring her form.


    ¡°Myrrh!¡± Panic surged through me as I sprinted toward her fallen body, fear gnawing at my insides. I skidded to a stop beside her massive metallic head, my heart racing. ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m fine,¡± Myrrh groaned, her voice strained with pain. Slowly, she raised the remnants of her blasted arm, the sight of the twisted metal making my stomach churn. ¡°As long as my core is intact, my human body is safe. But I can¡¯t lie¡ªit hurts¡­ it hurts so much, as if it were my own body!¡±


    Several beam rifle lasers rained down around us, sizzling through the air with deadly precision. Fortunately, Myrrh was already sprawled on the ground, her fallen position shielding her from the onslaught. The surrounding cityscape offered unexpected cover, the tall buildings absorbing the destructive energy of the beams as they streaked past.


    ¡°What the hell was that?¡± I shouted, my voice cracking under the tension.


    ¡°That came from a beam rifle, the same kind as ours,¡± Myrrh replied, her tone urgent as she pushed herself into a crouching position, her metallic frame shifting with a groan. ¡°It¡¯s another Frame Unit, about eight hundred meters southwest.¡±


    ¡°Friendly fire?¡± I asked, hoping for some kind of explanation.


    Myrrh shook her robotic head, her voice tinged with frustration. ¡°I doubt it. That bitch hit my left arm with pinpoint accuracy, and now she¡¯s lighting us up with precision shots from those beam rifles.¡±


    ¡°But why would another WAIFU side with the Cosmic Beasts?¡± I demanded, my mind racing to piece together this impossible scenario.


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s insane!¡± Myrrh growled, her voice rising in anger. ¡°Just what the hell is that bitch¡¯s deal?!¡±


    As we vented our frustration, a shadow passed over us. My blood ran cold as I looked up, spotting the bat-type Cosmic Beast hovering ominously above, its grotesque wings spread wide. The barrage of beam rifle shots abruptly ceased, a chilling confirmation that the rogue WAIFU was somehow coordinating with the monsters.


    ¡°Shit!¡± Myrrh yelled as she acted on instinct, her reflexes sharp despite her injuries. With a swift movement, she raised her laser sword, the blade glowing brilliantly as she drove it upward, impaling the beast directly in its chest. The creature let out a high-pitched screech as black blood gushed from the wound, raining down upon Myrrh¡¯s Frame Unit like a toxic waterfall.


    For a moment, it seemed like we had won. But the Cosmic Beast wasn¡¯t finished yet. Suddenly, spiky, grotesque tentacles sprouted from its back, writhing like monstrous vines. They struck with terrifying speed, piercing through Myrrh¡¯s metal body with sickening force. One after another, the tentacles burrowed into her shoulders, neck, midriff, and legs, pinning her to the ground in a gruesome display of power.


    ¡°Aaaaah!¡± Myrrh¡¯s scream echoed through the battlefield, her voice raw with agony. ¡°I¡­ I can¡¯t move!¡± Her robotic blue eyes flickered desperately, and the neon circuits along her body sputtered, struggling to stay lit. More and more spiky tentacles erupted from the Cosmic Beast¡¯s back, slithering across her armor like living drills, piercing deeper into her already damaged frame.


    [Warning: Frame Unit Critically Damaged]


    The cold, sterile voice of the system reverberated in my device, but it only heightened my panic. ¡°Myrrh, bail out!¡± I yelled, my voice rising in desperation as I watched the light drain from her circuits.


    ¡°B-but, the Cosmic Beast¡­¡± she whimpered, her once strong voice now weak and frail, struggling under the weight of her injuries and the beast¡¯s relentless assault.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to die, dammit!¡± I roared, fear boiling over.


    Finally, Myrrh relented. Her massive metallic frame shuddered, and then, in an instant, the entire Frame Unit disintegrated into a cloud of shimmering dust, vanishing into the air. All that remained was the core¡ªMyrrh herself, now returned to her human form. She collapsed to the ground, drenched in sweat, her body trembling with exhaustion. Her chest heaved as she gasped for breath, her face pale and her skin glistening. Drool slipped from the corner of her mouth, evidence of just how deeply the battle had worn her down.


    ¡°Myrrh! Let¡¯s go!¡± I shouted, rushing to her side. I extended my hand, my heart pounding in my chest as I watched her struggle to stand.


    ¡°Z-Zaft¡­¡± Myrrh¡¯s voice was barely a whisper. Her legs wobbled beneath her as she tried to sprint, but her movements were sluggish, every step a monumental effort. She was too exhausted, too injured from the fight, her body drained of all strength.


    The moment I could grab her hand, I¡¯d pull her into my arms, and we¡¯d run¡ªrun like hell until we escaped this nightmare. That was the promise I held tightly in my mind. I pushed myself to sprint even faster, closing the distance between us so she wouldn¡¯t have to struggle any further.


    Just five centimeters. Our hands were five centimeters apart when everything shattered.


    Out of nowhere, a grotesque tentacle shot from the Cosmic Beast, impaling Myrrh straight through the chest. Blood splattered across my face, warm and wet, the taste of iron filling the air. Time seemed to slow as her eyes widened in shock, her once-vibrant blue gaze dimming.


    ¡°Z-Zaft¡­¡± Myrrh¡¯s voice was fragile, barely audible as she tried to reach for me. But the tentacle lifted her into the air, dangling her broken body like a puppet.


    ¡°Myrrh!¡± I screamed, my heart lurching in my chest.


    ¡°H-Help¡­¡± she whimpered, her voice full of pain and fear.


    But before I could even move, the tentacle thrust deeper into her body with brutal force, tearing through her chest. I heard the sickening sound of her bones snapping¡ªthe crushing of her heart, spine, and lungs all at once. Her glowing blue eyes filled with tears, which streamed down her face in a silent cry of anguish.


    With a final, violent motion, the tentacle withdrew, leaving a gaping wound where her chest had been. Her body, now limp and lifeless, fell from the sky. Blood rained down, painting the ground red as I caught her in my arms, pulling her shattered form close to me. Her weight was heavy in my grasp, her warmth already fading as her blood soaked through my clothes.

 Chapter 16 – The Machine God

    Chapter 16 ¨C The Machine God


    My mind is a void, an expanse of nothingness. The only sensation grounding me is the weight of Myrrh''s lifeless body cradled in my arms. Her warmth hasn¡¯t yet faded, her skin still soft and pliable, and her expression peaceful, as if she¡¯s merely sleeping. But the reality is far grimmer¡ªblood continues to spill from the jagged wound in her chest, painting her pale skin in a ghastly crimson.


    I glance at my trembling hand, the one supporting her back, and it''s slick with blood. Her blood. It''s everywhere, coating my arms, staining the ground. A shudder races down my spine, yet for the fifth time, I feel it¡ªnumbness beginning to ebb away, the edges of awareness sharpening again.


    ¡°Medic... I need a medic!¡± My voice cracks as it echoes through the desolation.


    But it¡¯s a fool¡¯s plea, a delusion I¡¯m clinging to. Her vital organs are shredded beyond repair, and with every passing second, her body grows colder, her blood drained from the gaping wound. Yet, some part of me, stubborn and frantic, refuses to accept that Myrrh is gone.


    I look up, my eyes sweeping over the wreckage around me. The world has become a graveyard of ruins¡ªcrumbling buildings reduced to heaps of stone, highways now nothing but yawning craters, and the children¡¯s park, once a place of laughter, now crushed under debris. The hospital in the distance, our last hope, is being swallowed whole by the spiked tentacles of the Cosmic Beast.


    Not a single living soul stirs in the devastation. Farther away, I spot the twisted remains of three, maybe four bodies, victims claimed by the chaos when the Cosmic Beasts rampaged through the city. Flames flicker and rise, spreading like an unrelenting plague. It feels like I¡¯m the only survivor, trapped in this nightmare.


    This scene... I''ve witnessed it before.


    It felt eerily familiar¡ªjust like when I was four, during the Christmas Siege. The scene before me was nearly identical: nothing but ruin and carnage as far as I could see. Destruction wrapped the world in a suffocating silence. The bat-like Cosmic Beast stirred, finally locking its eight glowing crimson eyes onto me. From the earth beneath, its tentacles erupted like twisted trees, reaching for the sky, curling toward me.


    But this time, there would be no savior, no last-minute rescue. It was just me¡ªalone¡ªclutching the cold, lifeless body of the WAIFU in my arms. I held her tight, desperate for a single wish. A wish that she could work a miracle.


    ¡°OIJ(^@R#@()!¡± The Cosmic Beast¡¯s voice reverberated through the shattered streets, a bone-rattling roar. Its tentacles, dozens of them, rose into the air and arched above me, forming a menacing dome that would soon come crashing down, slicing me into oblivion.


    I don¡¯t want to die. Not here. Not like this. I haven¡¯t done anything yet. My entire life has been spent training to be a support unit, to protect the WAIFUs. And now, all of that effort¡ªwill it be in vain? Am I really going to die before I achieve that dream? Before I could prove I was worthy? Before Myrrh and I even had a chance?


    Her once lively face flashed in my mind¡ªMyrrh, smiling, her cheeks tinged pink as we gazed from the rooftops. Even though we stood as enemies, I couldn¡¯t help but feel the deep frustration within me. I had failed her. I had failed to protect that beautiful smile.


    ¡°Myrrh... Forgive me,¡± I whispered, my voice barely audible, as I hugged her limp body closer.


    I closed my eyes, surrendering to the inevitable, waiting for the cold embrace of death that I knew would come next.


    But death did not come.


    ¡°YOU DON¡¯T WANT HER LIFE TO END HERE, DO YOU?¡±


    The voice thundered directly inside my head, loud and threatening. My heart pounded in my chest as I opened my eyes, and I found myself somewhere... else.


    The world around me had shifted¡ªno longer the ruined streets of Xyraxis, but a desolate planet bathed in harsh light. Black, metallic sand stretched endlessly underfoot, and everything felt strange, disjointed, as if the fabric of reality had been twisted.


    I looked down. Myrrh¡¯s body was still cradled in my arms, but something was wrong¡ªthere was no blood. The gaping wound that had been there moments before was gone. My senses warped and bent, as if I were walking through a dream. Was any of this even real?


    And yet, it was this unnatural landscape that filled me with the most profound dread. The sky bled crimson, casting an eerie glow over the ground, and the planet itself was a vast, colorless void¡ªalien, foreign, terrifying. The very air tasted of fear, the unknown closing in from all sides. My eyes darted around, scanning the barren wasteland until they drifted upward... and then, I saw it.


    A massive mechanical skeleton loomed above, so vast that it dwarfed even the largest Frame Units. Its eyes¡ªcold and metallic¡ªwere as large as moons, glowing faintly with some ancient power. The mechanical skull it wore seemed to swallow the sky, dominating the heavens. Its enormous steel hands gripped the planet¡¯s surface as if holding it in place, skeletal fingers sinking deep into the dark earth.


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    ¡°W-What the¡ª¡±


    ¡°YOU APPEAR TO STILL HAVE A REASON FOR LIVING. IF I GRANT YOU THE ULTIMATE POWER, WILL YOU CONTINUE?¡±


    The voice echoed again, shaking the very ground beneath me. My throat tightened, and my body trembled uncontrollably. I had never been more terrified in my entire life. This... this was beyond anything I had ever faced. Beyond anything I had ever feared.


    ¡°Who... who are you?¡± I managed to stammer, my voice barely escaping my quivering lips.


    ¡°I PROPOSE A DEAL. IN EXCHANGE FOR THE GIRL¡¯S LIFE, YOU MUST AGREE TO BE MY FIRST APOSTLE IN THIS UNIVERSE. ACCEPT THIS CONTRACT AND ITS CONDITIONS, AND WHILE YOU WALK AMONG MORTALS, YOU WILL BE THE LORD OF DESTRUCTION. THE POWER OF THE MACHINE GOD WILL CONDEMN YOU TO A LIFE OF SOLITUDE. ARE YOU PREPARED FOR THIS?¡±


    The words boomed inside my skull, vibrating through my bones, each syllable heavier than the last. Before I could even comprehend the weight of what was being offered, my vision exploded.


    Millions of images flooded my mind, threatening to tear my consciousness apart. I saw Xyraxis, my new home, obliterated¡ªits cities reduced to smoldering rubble, the once-thriving landscape now nothing but scorched earth. And Earth... Earth was worse.


    I watched in horror as the blue-green planet fractured, its core unable to contain its mass. The continents were torn apart, now drifting like broken islands suspended in a sky devoid of hope. Both worlds¡ªEarth and Xyraxis¡ªreduced to lifeless husks, floating in the emptiness of space. I witnessed an endless war, Frame Units clashing against the swarming legions of Cosmic Beasts. The air was thick with destruction, an eternal struggle to reach the being behind it all¡ªthe father of the Eldritch horrors, an Outer God whose name could not be spoken.


    And then, amid the chaos and the wreckage of these shattered worlds, I saw her¡ªMyrrh Alicent. Her silhouette was framed by the golden light of a setting sun as she stood on a rooftop, her hand reaching out to me. Her long, lime blonde hair danced in the wind, and that gentle, kind smile¡ªso full of life¡ªcalled to me. The memory was so vivid, so achingly real, that it pierced through the overwhelming flood of destruction.


    In that moment, I knew what I had to do.


    I wanted to take her hand again. To stand beside her. To continue the adventures we had dreamed of together.


    There was only one choice.


    ¡°Yes. I hereby accept the terms of your contract!¡± I shouted with all my strength, my voice reverberating through the vast, empty landscape.


    A deafening sound of gears grinding filled the air, as if the very machinery of the universe had come alive. The Machine God¡¯s crimson eyes, which had loomed over me like ominous suns, shifted, transforming into an eerie, icy blue. Then, like a cascade, blue circuits began to flow from its moon-sized eyes, spreading across its colossal frame until the entire skeleton was bathed in glowing neon light. The light pulsed brighter and brighter, until everything¡ªmy vision, my thoughts, the world around me¡ªwas consumed by blinding, radiant nothingness.


    And then, in an instant, I was thrust back into the real world.


    ¡°Frame Unit, Revival!¡± A loud, familiar feminine voice echoed in my ears, cutting through the chaos.


    I opened my eyes to an astonishing sight¡ªa towering mech, easily twenty meters tall, gleaming in the darkness. Its armor was pristine white and gold, glowing with intricate blue circuits that traced along its limbs like veins of pure energy. The neon blue eyes radiated light, piercing through the oppressive gloom of the night.


    It was unmistakable¡ªMyrrh Alicent had returned, but now in her full Frame Unit form. The sheer force of her transformation had blasted the Cosmic Beast¡¯s tentacles away, leaving us a temporary sanctuary in the middle of this war zone.


    She turned her gaze toward me, her mechanical eyes locking onto mine. Her synthetic voice, soft but commanding, rang out, ¡°Thank you, Zaft. Please continue to assist me.¡±


    For a moment, I was stunned. Just seconds ago, despair had gripped my heart, drowning me in hopelessness. Now, hearing Myrrh¡¯s voice, alive and powerful, filled me with something I hadn¡¯t felt in what seemed like forever¡ªhope. I couldn¡¯t believe it, but her words stirred something inside me, reigniting my will to fight.


    ¡°Sure thing,¡± I replied, a smile breaking through my shock.


    I tapped on my smart device, the familiar hum of the system activating under my fingers. A holographic screen flickered to life in front of me, projecting a series of commands and options.


    [Weaponry Enhancement Engineering Bios]


    [Clearance Level 3]


    [Weapons of Mass Destruction Unlocked]


    [Level 1 - Particle Cannon]


    [Level 2 - Uranium Blade]


    [Level 3 - Shadow Curtain]


    ¡°What... is this?¡± I muttered, my eyes widening as I stared at the screen. The [Weapons of Mass Destruction] series¡ªnone of this was part of the WEEB System I had trained with. At first, I thought it was some kind of technical malfunction, but then the memory of my encounter with the Machine God flooded back. This wasn¡¯t a glitch. It was the price of the contract.


    Before I could process the magnitude of what I had just unlocked, a guttural, distorted screech tore through the air.


    ¡°*&YNKJ234x!¡± The bat-like Cosmic Beast unfurled its massive wings, casting a shadow over the battlefield. From the ground, thousands of spiked tentacles burst forth, writhing and surging towards Myrrh like a sea of death.


    ¡°Zaft, get ready!¡± Myrrh''s voice rang out, sharp and resolute, as she braced herself for the onslaught. Her Frame Unit shifted into a defensive stance, but she was weaponless. It was up to me to arm her¡ªmy role as a support unit.


    Without hesitation, I scrolled through the options and selected [Particle Cannon]. As soon as I pressed the command, a wave of energy coursed through my body, and I felt the circuits in my left arm glow¡ªnot the usual blue, but a deep, pulsing pinkish-red.


    I pointed my arm toward Myrrh and shouted, ¡°Particle Cannon, Activate!¡±


    In an instant, the chestplate of Myrrh¡¯s Frame Unit began to morph. The armor shifted and expanded, forming into a massive, golden barrel. The air around her crackled as particles gathered within the cannon, swirling together in a concentrated vortex, like a miniature galaxy being born. Then, with a blinding flash of light, a beam of bluish-white energy erupted from the barrel, cutting through the night.


    The beam tore through the swarm of tentacles, vaporizing them on contact, leaving nothing in its wake but the scorched air. The raw power of the cannon didn¡¯t stop there. It continued forward, reaching the Cosmic Beast itself, obliterating the monstrosity in a single, devastating blast.


    In one strike, the entire battleground was silent. The Cosmic Beast had been reduced to nothingness.

 Chapter 17 – Hail Satan

    Chapter 17 ¨C Hail Satan


    There was no time for celebrations after Myrrh¡¯s second Cosmic Beast kill; both of us knew the looming threat was still present. I pushed myself up from the rubble of a crumbled building, dust and smoke swirling around me, and squinted through the haze. About five hundred meters ahead, a shadowy silhouette emerged from the mist¡ªa Frame Unit, standing ominously like a war-torn sentinel.


    My Weaponry Enhancement Engineering Bios System flickered to life, projecting a holographic screen before my eyes, acting as a makeshift telescope scanner. I aligned it with the distant figure, and its features sharpened into view. The bulk Frame Unit''s armor gleamed under the dim light, streaked with crimson and white. Half of its body was draped in a tattered cloak that fluttered in the wind, giving it a ghostly, battle-hardened appearance. Its crimson eyes glowed menacingly from the darkness, and it held a beam rifle, gripped tightly in its metallic hands.


    Suddenly, a bright flash of green cut through my scanner, searing my vision.


    ¡°Watch out!¡± Myrrh''s voice rang out, panic lacing her tone as she lunged forward. Her massive mechanical hands scooped me up in an instant, the weight of her steel fingers pressing me tightly against her chest.


    A split second later, the ground where I had stood exploded in a brilliant flare of green light, debris flying in all directions. My pulse raced, my heart hammering in my chest. That beam had been meant for me. Death had grazed me, and I had narrowly escaped, all thanks to Myrrh.


    ¡°W-what the hell! Now she¡¯s aiming at me!¡± I gasped, still shaken.


    Without a word, Myrrh gently placed me onto her towering mech shoulder. The cold metal pressed against me as she moved, seeking cover in the shadow of a nearby skyscraper. We vanished into the urban jungle, the towering buildings offering temporary refuge from our unseen attacker.


    ¡°That WAIFU¡­ she¡¯s more of a threat than those rampaging Cosmic Beasts,¡± Myrrh muttered under her breath, her mechanical voice tinged with frustration as she kept her eyes locked on the enemy Frame Unit.


    ¡°The way she collaborates with the Cosmic Beasts means one thing¡ªshe¡¯s a traitor to mankind,¡± I replied, my voice edged with suspicion. ¡°Or maybe just a terrorist who wants to watch the world burn.¡±


    ¡°Either way, if we don¡¯t take her down, we¡¯re not getting out of here alive.¡± Myrrh''s tone turned sharp, her usual confidence now laced with urgency. ¡°Zaft, do you still have those WMDs?¡±


    ¡°WMDs?¡± I blinked, momentarily caught off guard.


    ¡°Weapons of Mass Destruction, you buffoon!¡± Myrrh snapped, her annoyance palpable.


    ¡°Oh, right.¡± I tapped on my System, and the [Weapons of Mass Destruction Series] menu appeared in a flash. ¡°Yeah, still got ''em. You thinking of using the Particle Cannon again?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d rather take her alive if possible,¡± Myrrh responded, her mechanical eyes narrowing with resolve.


    ¡°You know, that kind of overconfidence nearly got you killed last time,¡± I retorted, giving her a skeptical look. The memory of her last near-fatal encounter still lingered.


    ¡°Fine!¡± she huffed, her irritation building. ¡°What¡¯s your brilliant plan, then?¡±


    ¡°Simple¡ªget close, disable her, and capture her alive. We¡¯ll interrogate her,¡± I said with a shrug, as if it was the most obvious solution.


    ¡°That¡¯s literally what I suggested the first time!¡± Myrrh hollered, her voice crackling through the speakers. ¡°Jeez, you¡¯re such a waste of time! Fine, I¡¯ll just charge in!¡±


    Without waiting for a reply, Myrrh activated the thrusters on her legs and back, and in an instant, her massive Frame surged forward, cutting through the rubble-laden streets. Dust and debris scattered in her wake as she closed the gap between us and the enemy Frame Unit.


    Suddenly, a searing green beam shot towards us, cutting through the air with deadly precision. Myrrh reacted instantly, veering left, the beam missing by inches. The enemy fired again, another beam of green light crackling toward us. Myrrh swerved right, diving into the shadow of a towering avenue skyscraper, the beam slicing through where we had been just moments before.


    ¡°We¡¯re not getting many more chances!¡± I shouted over the roaring of her thrusters.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s make this one count!¡± she barked back, determination burning through her words as she surged forward, ready for the final confrontation.


    Myrrh was closing in fast. The ground trembled beneath her massive feet as she tore through the battlefield, reducing the gap between her and the enemy Frame Unit to just three hundred meters. Her thrusters flared, deftly maneuvering around every blast of the enemy¡¯s long-range attacks. The world blurred as she surged forward, a force of steel and precision.


    But then, in a sudden motion, the enemy Frame Unit discarded its beam rifle, the weapon clattering to the ground with a heavy thud. A cybernetic circle flickered into existence on its right side, humming with eerie energy. From the circle, a colossal twin-barreled gatling gun materialized, its size almost as large as the enemy''s frame itself. The weapon gleamed, a monstrous apparatus of destruction, now clutched tightly in both of the WAIFU¡¯s hands.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I can dodge that thing!¡± Myrrh¡¯s panicked voice crackled through the comms as she instinctively slowed her advance. ¡°Do your magic, Zaft!¡±


    I couldn¡¯t resist a sarcastic grin, even in the heat of the moment. ¡°Abra kadabra alakazam!¡± I mockingly chanted, my fingers dancing over the controls of the WEEB System. In an instant, the familiar display of the [Weapons of Mass Destruction Series] filled my vision.


    [Weapons of Mass Destruction Series]


    [Clearance Level 3]


    [Level 1 - Particle Cannon]


    [Level 2 - Uranium Blade]


    [Level 3 - Shadow Curtain]


    I selected [Shadow Curtain], my heart racing with anticipation. A surge of energy coursed through me as my left arm glowed with intricate, pinkish-crimson circuits, flickering like veins of power beneath my skin. I reached out, placing my hand firmly against the back of Myrrh¡¯s Frame Unit neck, feeling the cold metal pulse beneath my touch. The activation code transferred seamlessly.


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    ¡°Shadow Curtain, activate!¡± I commanded, my voice steady.


    In response, Myrrh¡¯s entire mechanical body ignited with glowing crimson circuits, illuminating the darkness around her. The light pulsed through every joint and panel of her frame, radiating an eerie, dangerous beauty. Her once-steel armor shimmered as it transformed into a sleek, glossy black, as if darkness itself had coated her in its protective embrace.


    At that moment, the enemy Frame Unit locked onto us, its twin-barreled gatling gun humming with lethal intent. Without hesitation, it unleashed a torrent of bullets¡ªa barrage so dense, it was as if a storm of lead rained down upon us. But in the blink of an eye, a shimmering obsidian hologram shield materialized around us, deflecting the onslaught. The bullets ricocheted off the barrier like tiny stars sparking against a midnight sky, leaving us unharmed.


    We were closing in fast. The gap between Myrrh and the enemy shrank to a mere hundred meters. The enemy Frame Unit, sensing the impending danger, abandoned its massive gatling gun with a loud metallic clang. It stepped backward, firing up the thrusters on its legs, desperately trying to gain distance. But we weren¡¯t about to let it escape.


    I quickly accessed the WEEB System once more, this time navigating to the [Weapons] option and selecting the [Laser Sword]. As soon as I confirmed the command, blue circuits of energy lit up my left arm, coursing like electric rivers. I reached out and touched Myrrh¡¯s neck again, transferring the new code.


    ¡°Laser Sword, Equip!¡± I shouted, my voice ringing out above the din of battle.


    A cybernetic circle appeared in midair, sparking to life with blue light. From it, a gleaming laser sword materialized, glowing with intense energy. Myrrh reached out with her enormous hand and grabbed the weapon, her movements quick and fluid despite her size. In a graceful, almost dance-like motion, she propelled herself forward, pushing off the ground with a powerful leap, her thrusters blazing behind her.


    ¡°You won¡¯t escape!¡± Myrrh bellowed, her voice filled with determination as she brought the laser sword down in a brilliant arc, aiming for the enemy Frame Unit.


    The blade made contact, but only sliced through the right shoulder of the chonky crimson and white Frame Unit. Sparks erupted from the severed armor, but before Myrrh could strike again, the enemy retaliated. With a swift, almost mocking gesture, it threw its tattered cloak at us, the ragged fabric unfurling like a shadow descending upon us. Everything went dark.


    ¡°Gah! I can¡¯t see!¡± Myrrh cried out, her voice laced with frustration. She swung her laser sword wildly, slashing through the cloak in a desperate attempt to clear our vision.


    The darkness fell away in shredded pieces, but when our sight returned, the enemy was gone. The mysterious Frame Unit had vanished without a trace. Myrrh and I frantically scanned the area, searching left and right, but there were no signs of our adversary.


    ¡°Where is she?¡± Myrrh asked, her voice tense.


    I shifted my gaze downward, my eyes catching sight of movement far below. In the streets beneath us, civilians were fleeing in a panicked swarm, scurrying like rats through the rubble-strewn avenues. The area must have been some kind of evacuation center¡ªa fragile sanctuary now shattered by the battle that had unfolded above them.


    ¡°She transformed back to her human form,¡± I muttered under my breath, watching the chaotic streets below where she had disappeared.


    Myrrh let out a resigned sigh. ¡°There¡¯s no way we can track her now¡ªnot if she¡¯s already blended in with the civilians. Clever move on her part.¡± Her voice carried a mix of frustration and reluctant admiration. ¡°It would be foolish to keep chasing her like this. Let¡¯s just let her go¡­ for now.¡±


    With that, Myrrh reached up to lift me from her shoulder. Her mechanical hands, which had once held the power to crush steel, gently lowered me to the ground with surprising care. I barely had time to catch my breath before Myrrh began to deactivate her transformation. The massive frame of her mech shimmered and shrank, her armor plates folding away like pieces of a puzzle. In an instant, she returned to her human form, her morpher in hand, the cool metal glinting in the fading light.


    I couldn¡¯t believe I was thinking this, but seeing Myrrh, perfectly intact and alive, filled me with unexpected relief. As she sauntered toward me, her movements effortlessly graceful, her long lime-blonde hair flowing behind her like silk in the breeze, a smile tugged at my lips. It was impossible not to feel happy in that moment.


    ¡°Zaft¡­¡± she murmured, her voice soft, her cheeks slightly flushed as she smiled at me.


    ¡°Myrrh¡­¡± I smiled back, feeling the warmth of the moment between us.


    She picked up her pace, and my heart leaped. She was going to hug me¡ªno doubt about it. After everything we¡¯d been through, it felt like the perfect reward. And honestly, even if it was Myrrh, I wasn¡¯t going to complain about feeling her perfect, curvy body in a warm embrace. I spread my arms wide, eager for the incoming hug.


    ¡°Zaft!¡± Her voice rang out again, this time louder, more enthusiastic.


    ¡°Myrrh!¡± I called back, my grin widening.


    But as we closed the distance, something changed. Her expression shifted from joy to anger, her brow furrowed, and her eyes narrowed with a sudden, fiery intensity. Her arms, which I thought were reaching out for a hug, arched back instead¡ªready to strike!


    ¡°Zaft!¡± she growled, her tone now sharp, like a predator stalking its prey. The warmth in her voice was gone, replaced with a simmering rage.


    ¡°Myrrh!¡± I squeaked, the smile vanishing from my face as panic set in.


    In that split second, I realized that this wasn¡¯t the hug I had been hoping for¡ªbut something much more dangerous.


    And then, without warning, I was met with a punch square in the stomach. It wasn¡¯t as powerful as it could¡¯ve been¡ªMyrrh was clearly holding back¡ªbut it still knocked the wind out of me. I doubled over, curling up like an armadillo, desperately trying to stifle my groan of pain.


    ¡°Ow! W-what the hell!¡± I gasped, clutching my stomach.


    Myrrh stood over me, hands on her hips, eyes blazing with frustration. ¡°Why did you accept the deal with that mysterious... thing, huh?¡± Her voice was sharp, almost scolding. ¡°You don¡¯t know anything about that ¡®being¡¯! For all we know, it could be an evil god, a devil, or some alien trying to mess with us! Why would you agree to a contract with something like that? What if you had to sell your soul just to bring me back? Did you even think about the consequences? What if your soul ends up rotting in hell for eternity? What then, Zaft? What would you do?!¡±


    Her words hit harder than her punch, each one piercing through my chest. The memory of the Machine God flooded my mind¡ªits planetary-scale robotic skeleton looming in the void, a sight that would haunt me forever. It was the most terrifying moment of my life, a vision straight out of a nightmare. But I knew why I accepted the contract. I didn¡¯t have a choice. Not if it meant saving her.


    Myrrh had every right to be furious with me. Maybe I did act recklessly, letting my emotions take over. Perhaps I had made a deal with a devil, or an Outer God, or something far worse. It had called me the Apostle of the Machine God, whatever that meant, but I didn¡¯t have the slightest idea what being an apostle entailed, nor what would happen next.


    I scratched my head, lost for words, feeling utterly defeated. All I could muster was a weak, awkward laugh. ¡°Ahaha¡­ Hail Satan, then.¡±


    For a moment, silence hung between us, heavy and uncertain. Myrrh puffed her cheeks, her annoyance still clear, but then¡ªunexpectedly¡ªshe softened. Without warning, she pulled me into a warm embrace. Her body, soft yet strong, pressed against mine, and I could feel the heat radiating from her. The sudden shift in mood left me breathless, as if her warmth melted away the tension that had built between us.


    She leaned in close, her breath brushing against my ear as she whispered, her voice no longer angry, but gentle and full of gratitude. ¡°But... thank you, Zaft. Thank you for saving me.¡±


    Her words wrapped around me like a blanket on a cold night, and for a moment, everything else¡ªthe danger, the unknown consequences of the deal¡ªfaded into the background. All that mattered was that Myrrh was alive, and she was here, in my arms.

 Chapter 18 – Redeeming Quality

    Chapter 18 ¨C Redeeming Quality


    I feel numb, like my body is wrapped in a thick fog. A dull wooziness swirls through me, making it hard to think straight. Was it because of the hug Myrrh gave me just minutes ago, her warmth lingering like a fading ember? Maybe. Or was it the side effects of wielding the power of the Machine God and its Weapons of Mass Destruction? Most likely. It feels like my mind is caught between worlds¡ªbetween the weight of that overwhelming power and the fragile human shell I¡¯m trying to hold together.


    Dwelling on it won¡¯t help, though. It¡¯s already two in the morning, and sleep has been elusive ever since the attack of the Cosmic Beasts. Neither of us has had a decent night¡¯s rest. Myrrh and I dragged ourselves through the earlier battles, our bodies drained of energy, before finally heeding the call to assemble at the university grounds. We¡¯re running on fumes, but there¡¯s no time to stop.


    As I trailed behind Myrrh, she had her phone pressed to her ear, her voice soft but strained. She was talking to her mother, checking in. Her words were muffled, but I caught enough to know she was asking about her mom¡¯s condition, reassuring her that we were heading to the university. When Myrrh''s voice shifted to a tone of relief, I guessed the news was good. Her mother was safe. Thank the Machine God.


    We reached the university gates, and the sight before us was staggering. Frame Units of all kinds were being deployed, their massive forms lifting off the ground like war machines ready to take flight. Aircraft support hummed overhead, escorting the Frame Units toward the frontlines, their engines roaring through the night like distant thunder. The sky was alive with mechanical giants, their glowing cores pulsing like stars on the verge of war.


    We made it to the assembly, where hordes of first-year students gathered, standing by with tense faces. I could see the exhaustion etched in their expressions, a reflection of what I felt.


    ¡°Myrrh! Over here!¡± A voice broke through the haze. My vision wavered, but I managed to make out a female student waving us over. Her crimson, wavy hair caught the light, standing out against the dreariness of the scene. She was in our class, but her name eluded me¡ªmy mind was a foggy mess, struggling to process anything clearly.


    ¡°Cindy!¡± Myrrh¡¯s voice was a bright contrast to the gloom as she hurried over to the girl.


    ¡°You guys are late!¡± Cindy smirked, teasingly. ¡°Did you two spend the night in a love hotel or something?¡±


    ¡°Ew! No!¡± Myrrh cringed, recoiling slightly. ¡°We had a detour because of the chaos unfolding in the northern part of the city.¡±


    ¡°Oh my gosh, I¡¯m so glad you¡¯re okay!¡± Cindy¡¯s voice took on a more serious tone. ¡°I heard about a dozen of Cosmic Beasts have been rampaging across the city. They¡¯ve already sent in the professional WAIFUs to fight, but apparently, even that wasn¡¯t enough. They¡¯ve started deploying interns to the frontlines too.¡±


    Myrrh kept chatting with Cindy, but their voices started to blur, fading into the background like distant echoes. My head felt heavy, each word they spoke muffled by the growing dizziness swirling inside me. My vision swam, and I couldn¡¯t stand the spinning anymore. Without thinking, I sat down on the cold, hard ground, the chill seeping through my clothes as I tried to steady myself.


    ¡°Yo!¡± A gentle tap landed on my shoulder, snapping me out of the haze. I glanced up, forcing my sluggish eyes to focus. Standing there was my friend Neil, looking half-awake, his brown hair sticking out in all directions. His eyes were tinged red, likely from being rudely woken up from what I imagined was a decent sleep.


    ¡°Neil... what¡¯s up?¡± I managed, forcing a smile, though I was sure it came off more like a grimace.


    ¡°Sucks to be us first years, huh?¡± he said with a dry chuckle, flopping down beside me. ¡°Stuck here on standby, waiting for something worse to go down in the city. I guess they can¡¯t exactly throw us into combat just yet.¡±


    I swallowed back the urge to tell him the truth¡ªthat Myrrh and I had already been in the thick of it, battling two Cosmic Beasts just hours ago. But that would only get us into trouble, big trouble. Disobeying orders to engage in combat was bad enough, but going up against two Cosmic Beasts without clearance? That was asking for a death sentence. Not to mention, neither of us were licensed to fight them yet. It was only our first week at Orbital Tech, after all.


    Sure, we could argue that Myrrh had no choice but to transform for self-defense. But it would only complicate things, especially with the secret WMD series I acquired from the Machine God. The last thing we needed was attention¡ªespecially the wrong kind. We agreed earlier not to take credit for the two kills. Better to let it go under the radar.


    ¡°Hey, Zaft.¡± Myrrh''s voice pulled me from my thoughts, and I looked up to see her leaning close, her blue eyes wide with concern. ¡°How are you feeling?¡±


    ¡°Bad,¡± I muttered, glancing away before forcing a smirk. ¡°But I think I¡¯ll feel better if you get your fucking face away from me.¡±


    I tried to make it sound playful, but the exhaustion laced my words, dulling the humor. Myrrh¡¯s brows furrowed slightly, but she gave me a soft smile anyway, like she knew I was just trying to hold myself together.


    Myrrh ignored my snarky remark and moved even closer, her hand reaching out to press against my forehead. Her touch was cool and gentle, but her expression was anything but calm. ¡°This isn¡¯t the time for hateful jokes, jackass. You¡¯re freezing cold,¡± she muttered, her brow furrowing in concern. She tilted her head, her voice dropping to a near whisper. ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re not... dead?¡±


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    ¡°I¡¯m not dead. You were,¡± I replied with a dry laugh, trying to deflect her worry with humor, though it felt more hollow than ever.


    For a moment, Myrrh just stared at me, her blue eyes piercing, silently chastising me for making light of the situation. I could see the deeper emotions behind that gaze¡ªa mixture of guilt and unease. She probably still feels the weight of the contract I made with the Machine God, the deal that brought her back from the brink. I understand her burden. I feel it too, lingering like a shadow between us.


    ¡°I don¡¯t feel cold,¡± I said, though even I didn¡¯t believe it. ¡°In fact¡­ I don¡¯t feel anything at all.¡± I raised my hands, trying to flex my fingers. The movements felt distant, like my body wasn¡¯t quite connected to me anymore. My fingertips were numb, and I could hardly tell if they were even moving.


    ¡°Do you want me to call a medic?¡± Neil asked, his voice cutting through the tension as he hovered nearby.


    ¡°No,¡± I said quickly, the word coming out more forceful than I intended.


    ¡°Yes, please,¡± Myrrh interjected, her tone sharp as she glanced at Neil with a small, tight smile. Neil gave a quick nod before jogging off toward the medic tent, leaving me no room to protest further.


    ¡°You guys are blowing this way out of proportion. I¡¯m fine,¡± I said, though my voice lacked conviction.


    ¡°You¡¯re not fine. You look like hammered shit,¡± Myrrh shot back, her worried face scrunching up as she gave me a once-over. ¡°I mean, you always kinda looked like a lackey goon before, but now? Now you look like a pale white turd.¡±


    ¡°I thought we were done with the jokes,¡± I muttered, smirking weakly at her attempt to lighten the mood.


    Before either of us could say anything more, a loud announcement from the Orbital Technology Applied Kinetics University echoed across the campus, cutting through the chatter and setting the air around us on edge.


    ¡°Attention, all students. You may now proceed to your dormitory rooms and rest for the night. The situation in Xyraxis has stabilized. I repeat, you may now proceed to your dormitory rooms and rest for the night. The situation has stabilized.¡±


    The announcement echoed across the campus, bouncing off the buildings like a long-awaited exhale. Students all around us erupted into cheers, the collective sighs of relief almost tangible. Fear had clung to every corner of Xyraxis after the Cosmic Beast assault, casting a shadow over everyone¡ªespecially us students, who had barely scraped through the night. But now, the weight of that fear was finally lifting. The danger had passed, and the promise of a quiet night felt like a gift none of us were expecting.


    ¡°There you go,¡± I said, letting a small smile tug at my lips as I turned to walk away. ¡°We¡¯re good to head back to the dorms. Maybe a good night¡¯s sleep is all I need to shake this off. No nurse, no meds, no big deal.¡±


    ¡°Zaft!¡± Myrrh¡¯s voice cracked through the air, stopping me in my tracks. ¡°W-wait!¡±


    I paused, turning to look back at her. She stood there, her cheeks flushed¡ªwhether from embarrassment or something else, I wasn¡¯t sure. Her hand fidgeted with her phone before she held it up, waving it playfully in front of my face.


    ¡°I-I know you¡¯re kind of helpless,¡± she stammered, her tone teasing yet soft. ¡°So at least let me make sure you¡¯re okay tomorrow. Give me a message¡­ or a call. Just so I know.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow, smirking. ¡°Sure. Give me your number,¡± I said, fishing out my phone from my pocket.


    Myrrh¡¯s face lit up with a mischievous grin, her eyes sparkling with mock arrogance. ¡°Are you seriously asking for my number? Sorry, but I¡¯ve got a boyfriend.¡±


    I groaned, rolling my eyes. ¡°This whole message and call thing was your idea in the first place. And last I checked, your boyfriend dumped you for some substandard whore.¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s smug facade cracked, and she let out an adorable scoff, her hand flying to her mouth as if to stifle the laugh that followed. ¡°True,¡± she admitted, shaking her head in amusement. Then she handed over her phone. ¡°Here, take it.¡±


    We exchanged numbers, dictating them to each other as we saved them into our phones. It struck me as I typed it in¡ªthis was the first time I¡¯d ever saved a girl¡¯s number in my phone. And of all people, it was Myrrh Alicent¡¯s. I¡¯d never had a female friend before, mainly because I could never wrap my head around how they think or what they expect from someone like me. Even now, I¡¯m not entirely sure how things ended up like this¡ªacting all buddy-buddy with Myrrh, as if we were close.


    Not that I¡¯m complaining. Maybe we just got off on the wrong foot initially. She¡¯s actually kind of nice once you get past the attitude.


    ¡°J-just so you know,¡± Myrrh stammered, her face flushing slightly as she avoided eye contact, ¡°you¡¯re the first guy I¡¯ve ever given my number to right off the bat. Ephraim¡­ well, he courted me for four years before I finally gave him mine.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow, amused by her sudden awkwardness. ¡°Jeez, no wonder he dumped you. You¡¯re way too bitchy for his tastes.¡±


    ¡°Shut up, Zaft!¡± Myrrh snapped, though there was no real heat behind her words. Her face, however, lit up with that smug expression she always wears when she¡¯s got something snarky to say. ¡°I know this is the first time you¡¯ve ever gotten a girl¡¯s number, so I took pity on you and gave you mine. You¡¯re welcome.¡±


    ¡°Ack!¡± I cried out in mock horror. ¡°How the hell did you know?¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s grin widened as she folded her arms. ¡°I mean, it¡¯s not hard to figure out. Girls are kinda disgusted by you, you know? They say you look like an ape who never takes a bath.¡±


    ¡°They did?¡± I blinked, suddenly self-conscious. Instinctively, I lifted my arm and sniffed my polo shirt, especially the armpit area, as if her words might actually hold some truth.


    Myrrh laughed, a light, teasing sound that made her eyes shimmer under the campus lights. ¡°That was back in high school,¡± she said, still giggling. ¡°I think you¡¯ve improved¡­ just a little bit. A tiny, weensy bit.¡±


    ¡°Gee, thanks for the glowing compliment,¡± I muttered, rolling my eyes but unable to hide the smirk creeping across my face.


    She leaned forward, pressing closer, her cleavage barely hidden by the fabric of her shirt as she bent over. Her voice dropped into a playful, almost seductive tone. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it kill you to compliment a beautiful girl before calling it a night? I mean, this cute girl just went out with you.¡± Her lips curled into a mischievous smile as she posed suggestively, her hips swaying ever so slightly to show off her figure.


    I scratched my head awkwardly, turning my gaze away as heat rushed to my face. I fumbled through my thoughts, trying to find the right words, but all I could muster was a clumsy, ¡°W-well¡­ you do look beautiful tonight. But, uh¡­ you¡¯ve always been beautiful.¡±


    Myrrh gave a self-satisfied nod, her smugness reaching peak levels. ¡°I know,¡± she said, with a flip of her hair, thoroughly enjoying herself. ¡°What else?¡±


    Her arrogant attitude was pushing it. Any hope of keeping the mood light was quickly evaporating under her inflated ego. I didn¡¯t feel like showering her with more praise. Not when she was enjoying it this much. So, I decided to throw a wrench in her moment.


    ¡°That¡¯s your only redeeming quality,¡± I said, my voice deadpan as I shot her a sideways glance. ¡°That¡­ and your big tits. The rest is trash.¡±

 Chapter 19 – Saturday Dragonfruit Shake

    Chapter 19 ¨C Saturday Dragonfruit Shake


    I slept like a log last night, sinking so deep into the mattress that it felt like I hadn¡¯t moved at all. By the time I finally stirred, the clock read eleven in the morning¡ªjust an hour before lunch.


    Sunlight streamed through the open windows, mercilessly bathing my face in warmth. The golden rays crawled across my left cheek, leaving a heated tingle where they lingered. I¡¯d completely forgotten to pull the curtains before bed, and now it felt like half of my face had been slow-roasted. Amazingly, even that wasn¡¯t enough to wake me up.


    Groggy, I dragged myself upright, the blanket slipping lazily off my body, and glanced at my phone on the desk. The screen lit up, revealing five unread messages¡ªall from Myrrh. Each one sent at steady intervals, spaced between twenty and forty minutes.


    Myrrh¡¯s First Message: Good morning! How are you?


    Myrrh¡¯s Second Message: Rise and shine, hooligan!


    Myrrh¡¯s Third Message: Hey, why won¡¯t you reply? I just want to check on you!


    Myrrh¡¯s Fourth Message: Zaft, please reply. I¡¯m getting worried.


    Myrrh¡¯s Fifth Message: Are you still alive? It¡¯s almost lunchtime. I will call you in ten minutes.


    I rubbed my eyes and checked the timestamp on the last one. Just seven minutes ago. I knew Myrrh was probably on edge, thinking about what happened last night, but right now, I felt fine¡ªcompletely normal, even. I flexed my fingers, watching them curl and uncurl smoothly, no lingering numbness or fog clouding my senses.


    With a sigh, I typed out a reply, feeling slightly guilty for making her wait.


    Me: I live, bitch.


    Me: Don¡¯t be a worrywart. I¡¯m completely fine now.


    Barely a second passed before my phone buzzed with an almost immediate response.


    Myrrh: Good. As much as I want you out of my life, I don¡¯t want you dead. Be a good boy and rest up for the day.


    Me: K.


    I glanced at the calendar app on my phone and realized with a lazy smile¡ªit was Saturday. No classes today, except for the unlucky few who had special internships or make-up lessons. For me, it was a rare day of freedom.


    Suddenly, three quick knocks sounded at my door. I shot up from bed, still sluggish, and opened it to find Neil standing there. His deep-set eye bags and messy brown hair made it obvious he hadn¡¯t gotten much sleep.


    ¡°Oh, Zaft. Morning¡ªwait, is it still morning?¡± Neil asked, rubbing his eyes before flashing a tired grin. ¡°Anyway, your partner was pretty worried about you. She texted me to check on you. How¡¯re you feeling?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m good,¡± I said, forcing a casual tone. ¡°I already texted Myrrh back. No need to worry, Neil.¡± I gave him a reassuring smile, but he wasn¡¯t convinced.


    Neil squinted, narrowing his eyes as if he could see through my fa?ade. ¡°You know, we were all pretty worried about you. When I went to get the campus medic, you¡¯d disappeared.¡±


    ¡°I figured the best cure for whatever was going on was sleep,¡± I said, waving a hand dismissively. ¡°So I came back here, crashed, and got a full eight hours. Sorry for making you guys worry.¡±


    Neil studied me for a moment longer before finally smiling. ¡°Well, as long as you¡¯re okay now.¡±


    Just as I opened my mouth to reply, a loud, guttural noise echoed through the dormitory hallway¡ªa low rumble that sounded like a distant roar. I froze, wide-eyed, before realizing it wasn¡¯t some Cosmic Beast causing the commotion. No, it was just my stomach, grumbling angrily from the lack of breakfast. I pressed a hand to my belly, feeling the acid gnaw at my insides, begging for food.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    Neil smirked, clearly amused. ¡°Good timing. I was just heading to the cafeteria for an early lunch. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    <><><>


    For my brunch, I went all out¡ªa towering triple serving of fried chicken, each piece glistening with a crispy golden crust, accompanied by a large bowl of rich, steaming gravy. On the side were three heaping cups of rice, because I wasn¡¯t planning on going hungry today.


    Feeling a little adventurous, I ordered an exotic dragonfruit shake¡ªvibrant pink, sweet with a subtle tang, and refreshing with every sip. Neil, on the other hand, kept things simple with a risotto. The cafeteria¡¯s menu today was dominated by rice dishes, so our options were pretty limited.


    As soon as we sat down, I wasted no time digging in. One cup of rice, one drumstick, and a long pull from my dragonfruit shake disappeared almost immediately. The shake was better than I expected¡ªthe blend of sweet and sour was perfect, and I was already thinking about getting another.


    Neil raised an eyebrow as he watched my food vanish at lightning speed. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you were such a big eater, Zaft,¡± he said, forcing a half-smile. His gaze flickered to my almost-empty glass. ¡°You could go easy on that steep dragonfruit shake¡ªstuff doesn¡¯t grow on trees... Wait, it actually does. So why the hell is it so expensive?¡±


    I chuckled between bites, wiping a bit of gravy from my chin. ¡°Well, this is my brunch. I need to refuel after last night. I spent a lot of energy fighting off those Cosmic Beasts.¡±


    Neil¡¯s head snapped up. ¡°Wait, wait¡ªfought Cosmic Beasts?¡±


    My stomach dropped. Crap. Why did I say that? I bit down on my tongue, as if punishing myself for slipping. Now I had to think fast.


    ¡°I-I mean, I didn¡¯t fight them,¡± I stammered, trying to recover. ¡°I had to run from them. Running away took a lot out of me, and I was dehydrated all night. By midnight, I was completely out of energy, which is why I felt so sick.¡±


    ¡°Damn. I haven¡¯t even seen a Cosmic Beast in person,¡± Neil muttered, his tone tinged with frustration. ¡°I¡¯m itching to fight one as soon as possible, but us first years aren¡¯t allowed to yet.¡±


    ¡°You seem eager to take them on,¡± I remarked, biting into my second piece of fried chicken, the gravy spilling over the crispy skin.


    Neil gave a hollow laugh, his eyes clouding over. ¡°Well, the Cosmic Beasts are the reason I don¡¯t have a family anymore,¡± he said, his voice heavy with the weight of old wounds. His smile was thin and forced, his gaze distant, as if replaying a memory too painful to revisit. ¡°During the Christmas Siege, one of those monsters trampled our house. I was lucky¡ªjust three broken ribs and a busted knee. But compared to what happened to my mom and dad¡­¡± He trailed off, eyes fixed on his hands.


    It hit me then¡ªNeil¡¯s loss mirrored mine. We both survived the Cosmic Beast attacks during the Christmas Siege. But where I came out with only fading memories of my classmates and teachers who perished, Neil had lost everything that mattered. His family.


    Neil clenched his fists, knuckles whitening as he stared hard at the table. ¡°I swear, I¡¯ll wipe out every single one of those aliens. Until there¡¯s nothing left. That¡¯s why I enrolled in Orbital Tech¡ªto kill every last one of those wild animals.¡±


    ¡°Wow, edgy much?¡± I teased, trying to lighten the mood. ¡°But hey, keep that fire going, and maybe one day you¡¯ll get your wish.¡±


    Neil chuckled, the tension easing from his posture. ¡°You think so? Well, it¡¯ll take years before we get a real shot at them, so until then, we¡¯ve just gotta survive this place.¡±


    ¡°True,¡± I agreed, popping the last piece of chicken into my mouth and washing it down with a glass of water. As tempting as another dragonfruit shake was, Neil wasn¡¯t wrong about the cost, so I resisted. ¡°By the way, have you heard anything about the attack last night?¡±


    ¡°Just some rumors on social media,¡± Neil said, pulling out his phone and swiping through his feed. He tapped on a video and handed it over for me to see.


    In the video, twelve Cosmic Beasts lumbered through a breach in the northern wall, a chaotic scene unfolding before my eyes. Among them, I recognized the hulking gorilla-type and the sinister bat-type Myrrh had taken down just the night before. The footage appeared to be pulled from a CCTV camera mounted high on the metropolis walls, the grainy image flickering to life just moments after the power had been restored.


    ¡°They¡¯re saying the blackout last night was caused by the Archonlight Tower losing its barrier,¡± Neil explained, his voice laced with excitement. ¡°Then, right after, the Cosmic Beasts crashed down from the sky like meteors. The timing is just too coincidental, and now most people think there¡¯s something more going on. I smell a conspiracy brewing here.¡±


    A chill crept up my spine as I pondered Neil''s words. It felt undeniably orchestrated. Sure, two coincidences might still be within the realm of reason, but adding a third¡ªa Frame Unit that had attempted to eliminate both Myrrh and me¡ªwas pushing it. That enigmatic WAIFU must have played a part in the chaos, though I had no clue who it could be.


    The enemy WAIFU¡¯s formidable loadout of twin gatling guns suggested they were likely from the upper years or possibly even a professional. The thought sent a shiver through me, a stark reminder of how outclassed we were.


    Then, a horrifying realization struck me: last night, there had been a moment when that enemy WAIFU had aimed directly at me. Myrrh had saved me from the attack, but that only meant one thing¡ªthe enemy had seen my face and witnessed what I was capable of. If things escalated, it wasn¡¯t just a matter of life and death; I could be captured and subjected to experiments for possessing the [Weapons of Mass Destruction Series].

 Chapter 20 – Aerial Supremacy

    Chapter 20 ¨C Aerial Supremacy


    It was Monday, and the Orbital Technology Applied Kinetics University buzzed with the energy of returning students. This week, however, the atmosphere was different.


    Frame Units¡ªtowering mechanical sentries¡ªstood watch at the gates, their imposing forms casting long shadows in the early morning light. Overhead, quadcopter drones whirred methodically through the sky, patrolling with precision, a constant reminder that the university was still on high alert. Despite the calm of the morning, an undercurrent of tension lingered.


    I walked alongside a throng of other students, each of us heading toward our campus building. The hum of conversation buzzed around me, but my thoughts were elsewhere. Arriving ten minutes early, I slipped into the classroom, scanning the familiar faces until my gaze landed on Myrrh Alicent. Ever punctual, she sat near the windows, bathed in the soft morning glow. She noticed me immediately, her face lighting up with a smile that was almost childlike in its innocence. She waved, a gesture so casual it belied the strange tension between us.


    She acted as though we were close friends, but we weren¡¯t. Not really. We were more like... close enemies, if such a thing existed.


    ¡°Good morning, Zaft,¡± Myrrh greeted me, her voice light and playful.


    ¡°Mornin'', Myrrh,¡± I replied, scratching my head lazily as I slid into the seat beside her.


    Her eyes lingered on me for a moment before she asked, ¡°How are you feeling today? Any more lightheadedness?¡±


    ¡°None,¡± I said, resting my chin on my hand, a smirk tugging at the corner of my lips. ¡°Why are you so worried about me? You texted me the same question on Saturday and again yesterday. Do I really occupy that much of your thoughts?¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s cheeks flushed pink, and she quickly turned away with an exaggerated huff. ¡°Wh-What do you think of me, always thinking of you? Hmph!¡±


    I chuckled under my breath, amused by her reaction, but quickly turned the conversation back on her. ¡°How about you? Are you okay now?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m perfectly fine,¡± she said curtly, still refusing to look at me.


    ¡°Okay... And your mom?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s fine too,¡± Myrrh replied, her voice softening just a little. ¡°The bunker under the hospital is sturdy enough to withstand a nuclear blast and a magnitude 10 earthquake. Honestly, she¡¯s more worried about us than herself.¡±


    I hesitated, my voice dropping as I asked the question that had been gnawing at me. ¡°Did you tell her about... the thing that happened to us?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t,¡± Myrrh finally said, her serious blue eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made me pause. ¡°I don¡¯t want my mother to worry more than she already does. If she knew I was impaled last night, she¡¯d be beside herself with anxiety.¡±


    Her words hung in the air like a weight, but before I could respond, I noticed the two students sitting in front of us had turned around. They were listening. Their eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and mischief.


    ¡°Ooooh! What happened to the two of you, huh?¡± Neil piped up, his grin as smug as ever. His partner, Fei, sat beside him, her face turning bright red with embarrassment.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Myrrh responded sharply, her icy glare cutting through Neil¡¯s smugness like a blade.


    Fei, still blushing, stammered out, ¡°D-Did Mister Zaft impale you, Miss Myrrh? D-Does it hurt the first time?¡±


    ¡°Whatever you''re thinking, it''s not like that!¡± Myrrh shot back, her voice cold and biting. ¡°I¡¯d die before I ever let this goon lay a hand on me! Over my dead body!¡± She crossed her arms defiantly, her tone dripping with disdain.


    I couldn¡¯t resist a quiet, dry mutter under my breath. ¡°Duh, you already died.¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s head whipped toward me, her eyes narrowing into a glare as sharp and cold as the one she had directed at Neil and Fei moments earlier. I met her stare with a smirk, knowing full well I had struck a nerve.


    <><><>


    For our Weaponry Tutorial, Professor Bao led us once again to the immense underground testing field¡ªa cavernous expanse of metal and reinforced concrete that stretched far beyond what the eye could see. Only ten pairs were allowed per session, just like before. On one side, the WAIFUs lined up along the red line, standing tall and prepared for action. Meanwhile, we, the support units, waited on the blue line, the hum of anticipation filling the air.


    ¡°For this session, I will now upgrade your WEEB clearances to Level 4,¡± Professor Bao announced, tapping swiftly on her tablet.


    As soon as her finger made contact with the screen, a faint beep echoed from our smartwatches, followed by a flicker of blue light. The WEEB system activated, sending a series of notifications across our devices.


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    [Weaponry Enhancement Engineering Bios]


    [Clearance Level Up]


    [New Weapon Unlocked]


    [Level 4 ¨C Jetpack]


    ¡°With Level 4 WEEB clearance, you are now granted access to the jetpack, which installs a backpack thruster to your partner WAIFU,¡± Professor Bao continued, her voice commanding yet calm. ¡°Now, WAIFUs, awaken your Frame Units.¡±


    A chorus of voices rang out in unison: ¡°Frame Unit, awaken!¡±


    In an instant, Myrrh and the nine other WAIFUs began their transformation, mechanical components shifting and expanding, their sleek forms morphing into towering, armored mech versions. The ground trembled slightly as they completed their transformations, each one a giant of metal and power.


    ¡°Support units, equip the jetpacks to your partner WAIFUs and prepare for flight,¡± Professor Bao instructed, her voice carrying over the mechanical whirring of the Frame Units.


    I scrolled through the newly unlocked options on my smartwatch and selected the [Jetpack] weapon. My left arm began to glow, delicate blue circuits tracing intricate patterns down to my fingertips. With a sharp motion, I pointed toward Myrrh, focusing on the task at hand.


    ¡°Jetpack, equip!¡±


    A brilliant flash of light erupted from my outstretched hand, materializing the jetpack onto Myrrh¡¯s back. The thrusters hummed to life, ready for their first test in the field.


    The jet engines roared to life, and with a low hum, Myrrh began to lift off the ground, her massive mechanical form gracefully floating into the air. "Whoa..." she muttered softly, the awe evident in her voice. Though I couldn''t see her expression through the armored shell of her Frame Unit, I could tell from the tone that she was thrilled.


    "This is awesome!" another WAIFU exclaimed, her excitement echoing as she shot into the sky with newfound freedom.


    The massive, hulking robots soared above us, practicing their aerial maneuvers. Each time they moved, they left behind thin, shimmering contrails in their wake, streaks of white cutting through the air. Some of the WAIFUs struggled with their balance, their movements jerky as they wobbled midair. Others, like Myrrh, quickly adapted, already flying in a smooth, straight line as she glided effortlessly through the underground sky.


    Professor Bao gave them fifteen minutes to master their new aerial capabilities. Meanwhile, for us support units, she introduced a new feature.


    "With Level 4 WEEB clearance, you also gain access to an aerial radar," Professor Bao announced, her voice brisk and efficient. "This will allow you to set your Bios to an additional function. Press the [Minimap] option on your system."


    I followed her instructions, tapping the [Minimap] option on my smartwatch. Immediately, a holographic radar flickered into existence before my eyes, a translucent map of the underground airspace displayed in vivid detail. I stared at it, a sense of disbelief washing over me. How much easier could our battles with the Cosmic Beasts have been if we''d had this feature back then? Maybe... just maybe, we could''ve captured that mysterious WAIFU if I¡¯d had this tool at my disposal.


    As I studied the minimap, I noticed four glowing crimson dots scattered across it.


    "Those crimson dots represent floating buoys," Professor Bao explained, her gaze sweeping over us. "For the next test, the WAIFUs must touch all four buoys within this underground airspace in two minutes. Failure to do so will result in a failing grade. You support units will serve as your partner¡¯s navigators, guiding them with the Bios¡¯ radio feature."


    With that, she raised a whistle to her lips and glanced at her timer, poised to start the next phase of the exercise.


    "All WAIFUs, practice time is over. Stand by on the red line," Professor Bao commanded.


    One by one, the Frame Units descended from the sky, landing heavily on the red line with a dull thud, their jet engines still humming with power. The massive machines, poised and ready, revved their engines in anticipation.


    "WAIFUs, on your marks. Get set¡­ Go!" Professor Bao blew her whistle, sharp and clear.


    The instant the sound pierced the air, the Frame Units shot up into the sky, jetpacks blazing. Myrrh, among them, surged forward with a burst of blue light trailing behind her.


    ¡°Zaft, where¡¯s the location of the first buoy?¡± Myrrh¡¯s voice crackled through the mic, urgent but steady.


    I glanced down at the minimap, quickly assessing her position. Bringing the device closer to my lips, I responded, ¡°Southwest, eight o¡¯clock. It''s the nearest!¡±


    ¡°Roger!¡± Myrrh swiftly turned, angling herself toward her eight o¡¯clock, then rocketed forward at full speed. Her movements were smooth and controlled, leaving vivid blue contrails streaking across the dim underground sky as she barreled toward the first buoy. In just fifteen seconds, she reached it, her mechanical hand brushing against the glowing marker. It lit up with a soft beep, signaling her success.


    ¡°What¡¯s next?¡± Myrrh asked, her voice sharp and focused.


    ¡°Twelve o¡¯clock! Head straight north!¡± I called out, keeping my eyes locked on the minimap.


    Without hesitation, Myrrh boosted northward, her jets flaring as she raced toward the second buoy. But she was thinking ahead, her voice cutting through the wind. ¡°How about the third buoy? I want to know my next destination so I don¡¯t have to slow down.¡±


    I quickly scanned the minimap, mapping out her route. ¡°The third buoy is three o¡¯clock from the second. And after that, the fourth is to your four o¡¯clock once you hit the third.¡±


    ¡°Thanks for the heads-up, Zaft!¡± Myrrh¡¯s voice had a hint of excitement in it, and I could hear the smile in her tone.


    Ahead of her, the second buoy came into view. Myrrh surged toward it, extending her hand to touch it as it beeped and glowed. Without losing an ounce of momentum, she expertly pivoted to her three o¡¯clock, maintaining her speed as she honed in on the third buoy.


    The third buoy glowed and beeped as Myrrh made contact, her Frame Unit barely slowing as she fluidly shifted direction, her sights set on the final buoy. With remarkable control, she drifted through the air, executing a series of graceful aerial maneuvers. Below, several support units watched in stunned silence, their jaws slack with awe at the spectacle unfolding above them. Even Professor Bao¡¯s normally stern expression betrayed a flicker of admiration.


    The last buoy blinked to life with a flash and a beep, signaling her completion of the test¡ªfirst place secured.


    ¡°At first place is Myrrh Alicent! Excellent work!¡± Professor Bao announced, her voice ringing with approval.


    Myrrh descended smoothly, landing on the red line with barely a thud. In a flash of light and shifting metal, she transformed back into her human form, her figure shrinking to its normal size. With an air of casual superiority, she flicked her hair back, an arrogant smile curling at her lips as she strutted across the field like a runway model, every step deliberate, confident.


    "It¡¯s just a basic skill," she said, her tone nonchalant, though her posture spoke volumes of pride.

 Chapter 21 – Advanced Calculus

    Chapter 21 ¨C Advanced Calculus


    ¡°It¡¯s just a basic skill.¡±


    If you''ve spent any time at Orbital Tech, you''ve probably heard those words escape the lips of the most arrogant person on campus¡ªMyrrh Alicent. It could practically be her catchphrase, always delivered with a sultry confidence that dripped with authority. She had a way of looking down on everyone she crossed paths with, her gaze slicing through people like they were beneath her.


    But today? Karma had different plans, and it was Myrrh''s turn to face it head-on.


    For this day, we had Advanced Calculus, a subject notorious for causing dread. Our professor, Doctor Remus, had a reputation across the university for being a terror in the classroom. So, it was no surprise when he handed out a pop quiz¡ªone hundred brutal items divided between WAIFUs and their support units. We only had one hour to solve them. That meant I had fifty questions to tackle, and my partner would take on the rest.


    The room had been silent for what felt like ages, the kind of silence that suffocates the air. Myrrh, who prided herself on breezing through challenges, had been staring blankly at her test sheet for over fifteen minutes. Meanwhile, I had dived into my half of the quiz, feeling the strain of each complex problem, but something about Myrrh¡¯s stillness caught my eye.


    I glanced at her, and what I saw nearly made me laugh out loud. Her wide eyes looked hollow, her sockets sunken like she hadn¡¯t slept in days. Her pale skin, drawn tight over her face, made her look like she had just walked out of a horror movie. And the way she raked her fingers through her hair, messing it up into wild strands, was the final touch. She was gritting her teeth as if enduring some unspeakable agony.


    ¡°Why the face? Are you constipated?¡± I whispered, unable to resist.


    ¡°I... I don¡¯t understand a thing,¡± Myrrh hissed back, her voice strained. ¡°Seriously, I don¡¯t get any of this... Hnnngh¡­¡±


    I leaned in closer, a smirk forming on my lips. ¡°It¡¯s just a basic skill,¡± I said, throwing her infamous line right back at her.


    ¡°Hnnngh¡­¡± Her breath hitched, and then she began to cry, quietly, her tears pooling in the corners of her eyes. Frustration radiated off her like heat. ¡°I think I¡¯m going to fail... I¡¯m going to flunk this subject... My scholarship¡­¡±


    Watching Myrrh hit rock bottom like this was oddly satisfying¡ªrefreshing even. I¡¯d pay a hundred bucks just to see that devastated look on her face again. Yet, as much as I reveled in her downfall, a part of me couldn¡¯t help but feel a little pity for her. I let out a deep sigh, knowing full well what I was about to say was stupid.


    ¡°Just answer whatever you can. I¡¯ll handle the rest,¡± I offered, half-resenting myself for throwing her a lifeline.


    Her wide, puppy-blue eyes locked onto mine, flickering with doubt. ¡°B-but this is a partnership effort... Are you sure you can do it all on your own?¡± she asked, her voice small and fragile in a way that was completely unlike her usual self.


    ¡°What choice do we have?¡± I replied, shrugging. ¡°I¡¯m almost done with mine anyway. Let¡¯s switch.¡±


    We swapped our questionnaires and answer sheets, and I dove into the mountain of unanswered questions she had left behind. The clock was ticking, but I didn¡¯t let it faze me.


    ¡°T-thank you, Zaft. I owe you... another one,¡± Myrrh murmured, her tone soft and defeated, a far cry from her usual haughty demeanor.


    I didn¡¯t respond. My mind was already submerged in numbers. Math had always been my thing, ever since high school. Advanced Calculus might have been challenging for most, but for me, it was almost thrilling. Weird as it might sound, solving equations was like a mental high. Each problem was a puzzle, and the more complex it was, the more I wanted to tear into it.


    But now, my workload had doubled. I had to think faster, solve quicker, all while the seconds bled away on the clock.


    As I furiously scribbled away, Myrrh rested her chin on her hand, her defeated expression replaced by a small, almost peaceful smile. She just watched me, quiet and content, as if the storm raging inside her had finally passed.


    <><><>


    The bell echoed through the university¡¯s P.A. system, signaling the end of our final subject for the day. A collective sigh of relief swept through the classroom as students slumped in their chairs, exhausted from the ordeal. That so-called ¡°pop quiz¡± had felt more like a surprise exam, dragging on for a full hour with its hundred questions. My hand throbbed from the strain of tackling two workloads, and my head was still spinning with numbers¡ªsin, cos, integrals¡ªall jumbled together in a mathematical haze. I had a feeling I¡¯d be dreaming about formulas the moment my head hit the pillow tonight.


    ¡°Haaa¡­¡± Neil, who sat in front of me, let out a long, tired sigh. ¡°That pop quiz was brutal.¡±


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    ¡°Really? I actually found it enjoyable,¡± his WAIFU partner, Fei Xian, responded with a calm smile. Her serene demeanor was such a contrast to the stress in the room. ¡°I think I got forty-nine out of fifty on my half.¡±


    Neil turned to her, his expression shifting from exhaustion to admiration. ¡°Wow! You¡¯re amazing, Fei! I hope your score can carry me through this mess!¡±


    Fei blushed slightly, twirling a strand of her long black hair between her fingers. ¡°I hope so,¡± she said, her voice soft. ¡°But I think you did well too, Neil.¡±


    Neil shook his head with a self-deprecating chuckle. ¡°Not as good as you, though.¡±


    As their conversation flowed, Myrrh, still somewhat deflated from the exam, edged closer. Her usual confident energy was muted, but she tried to reinsert herself into the conversation with a hesitant, ¡°Um, hey¡­ Miss Fei.¡±


    ¡°Ah, Miss Myrrh!¡± Fei greeted her with a warm smile. ¡°How was the surprise exam? Are you going to ace it again, like you always do in every other subject?¡±


    Neil chimed in, his voice brimming with admiration. ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re incredible! You¡¯re such a Miss Perfect. I bet Myrrh Alicent will be getting another perfect score!¡±


    ¡°Ahahaha¡­¡± Myrrh let out a nervous laugh, her cheeks flushing slightly as she scratched the side of her face. ¡°Actually... I needed some help with the Advanced Calculus exam.¡±


    She shot a quick glance in my direction. I was still slumped over the table, mentally wrestling with the remnants of double integrals and quadrant formulas swirling in my head. The aftereffects of that monstrous test clung to me like a fog, and I was in no mood to engage. Listening to the conversation around me was all I could manage as I tried to shake off the calculus hangover.


    Myrrh then turned her gaze back to Fei, who tilted her head, slightly puzzled. ¡°Zaft actually ended up doing my entire workload this time. I don¡¯t want to drag him down, though, so... could you teach me how to solve these Advanced Calculus problems?¡± she asked, her voice softening as she swallowed her pride. It was rare to see Myrrh ask for help, and she did so now with a quiet humility that felt almost out of character.


    Fei glanced at Neil, and they exchanged a brief look before both of them smiled. Fei¡¯s expression brightened as she looked back at Myrrh, her eyes shining with sincerity. ¡°I¡¯d be happy to help! Actually, I¡¯ve been wanting to learn more about how you move your Frame Unit so efficiently during our practical exams!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s form a study group!¡± Myrrh¡¯s eyes lit up as she clasped Fei¡¯s hands, excitement creeping back into her voice.


    ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s!¡± Fei beamed, her enthusiasm infectious.


    ¡°Can I join, too?¡± Neil asked, leaning forward with a hopeful grin.


    ¡°Of course! The more, the merrier!¡± Myrrh replied, her usual confident smile softening into something kinder, more genuine.


    I always knew Myrrh had a friendly side, but I never expected her to swallow her pride just for the sake of a scholarship. Then again, with her and her mother barely scraping by, she couldn¡¯t afford to hold on to that arrogance for long. She had a lot riding on this, and it seemed like her usual bravado had finally cracked.


    ¡°Hey.¡± Myrrh nudged my arm gently, snapping me out of my thoughts. ¡°What about you? Are you going to join the study group?¡±


    ¡°Wat?¡± I exaggerated a sluggish response, pretending I hadn¡¯t been paying attention.


    ¡°C¡¯mon, join us, Zaft,¡± Neil chimed in, leaning over his desk with a grin.


    ¡°I¡¯d love to study with you, Mister Callahan!¡± Fei added, her excitement bubbling over as she pumped her fists in the air, looking at me with an eager smile.


    I turned slowly, meeting Myrrh¡¯s gaze with a deliberately disinterested glare. ¡°You already have Fei to teach you Advanced Calculus. What the hell do you still need me for?¡±


    Myrrh blinked, flustered by the question, then fumbled for an answer. ¡°W-well, as I said earlier... the more, the merrier¡­ haha,¡± she said, forcing a laugh that was as awkward as it was fake. Then she leaned in closer, trying to be charming, her voice shifting into something almost pleading. ¡°Please, pretty please, with a cherry on top.¡±


    ¡°Fine, fine,¡± I sighed, rolling my eyes in mock annoyance.


    ¡°Great!¡± Myrrh¡¯s face lit up as she clapped her hands, and Neil and Fei joined in, their faces equally bright with enthusiasm.


    And just like that, our little study group was born, with a mix of excitement and... dread hanging in the air.


    <><><>


    For the first session of our motley study group, we gathered in the bustling cafeteria. The cold weather outside made the sweet warmth of hot chocolate feel even more comforting as we settled in, books and notes spread across the table. Fei took the lead, patiently teaching Myrrh some Advanced Calculus tricks¡ªthings that even I hadn¡¯t known. She had a natural way of explaining concepts, and Myrrh, for once, seemed genuinely attentive. But once the serious studying came to an end, the conversation drifted into something more casual.


    It was Myrrh who broke the ice, of course.


    ¡°You know,¡± she said, her voice laced with a teasing tone and her lips curling into a smug smile, ¡°I¡¯ve noticed you two get along really well. Are you¡­ lovers?¡±


    Fei¡¯s entire face turned the shade of a ripe strawberry, and Neil looked just as caught off guard by the sudden question.


    ¡°Huh? Oh, well¡­¡± Fei stammered, her blush deepening as she tried to find her words.


    ¡°We¡¯re not quite at that level yet,¡± Neil quickly added, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly, clearly thrown by Myrrh¡¯s boldness.


    ¡°Y-yeah, that¡¯s right,¡± Fei agreed, her voice soft and shy. ¡°First, we have to be friends, and once we know each other well, maybe... w-we can think about love¡­¡±


    Her blush lingered as she said those last words, and the air between her and Neil suddenly felt charged with something unspoken.


    But Neil wasn¡¯t going to let Myrrh off so easily. With a grin, he shot the teasing question back at us. ¡°How about you two? You seem to know a lot about each other. Were you guys¡­ past lovers? Like ex-boyfriend and ex-girlfriend?¡±


    ¡°No, no way,¡± I replied instantly, my voice colder than I intended as I shook my head emphatically.


    ¡°Did Miss Myrrh reject you, and now you hate her?¡± Fei asked, her curiosity getting the better of her, eyes wide with interest.


    ¡°Of course not,¡± I said, sitting up a little straighter, my tone suddenly full of pride. ¡°I¡¯ll have you know, I¡¯ve never been rejected in my entire life.¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s smirk widened, and she leaned back in her chair with a chuckle. ¡°That sounds good for a lady killer. But coming from a hooligan like you?¡± She paused for effect, letting her gaze linger on me before finishing with a mischievous grin. ¡°It makes you sound more like an incel.¡±


    It¡¯s almost funny how fast things turned¡ªhow a girl who was nearly in tears a few hours ago now sits across from me, teasing me with that same smug grin. I should¡¯ve just let her crash and burn.

 Chapter 22 – Ideal Type

    Chapter 22 ¨C Ideal Type


    Professor Chaldeas seemed unusually energetic today, practically buzzing with excitement as he dove into our lecture on Basic Terms. It was as if he''d downed a whole gallon of coffee, his enthusiasm cranked up to 200%. His voice carried across the room with fervor, animated hand gestures drawing lines in the air as he talked.


    ¡°Planet Xyraxis is located at the far edge of Lagrange 2, a point between the orbits of Earth and Mars," he said, pacing. "But unlike Earth, Xyraxis is always ahead by eight hours, orbiting faster. Its purpose is crucial¡ªit shields Earth from the barrage of meteors and cosmic beasts that roam the galaxy. You could think of Xyraxis as Earth¡¯s artificial bulletproof vest, guarding us from the dangers of the universe."


    Just as his excitement reached its peak, the school bell rang through the building, abruptly signaling the end of class.


    ¡°Whoops! Time''s up already! Gotta go!¡± Professor Chaldeas exclaimed, his eyes widening in mock surprise. He darted out of the classroom with the speed of a dog rushing to greet its owner at the door, leaving behind a few chuckles and amused glances from the students.


    Despite the professor¡¯s strange burst of energy, today¡¯s lecture had been informative, although it was clear that his mind was already on something else¡ªperhaps eagerly awaiting something at home.


    With the final subject of the day now over, I would have had the whole afternoon to myself. But, of course, I had agreed to join Myrrh¡¯s study group. As her partner, I had no choice but to help¡ªmy grades depended on it.


    As I began to pack my things, Myrrh approached me, her voice low and secretive.


    ¡°Hey, Zaft. Did you manage to find any more info on the Machine God or the WMDs?¡± she whispered, her words tense.


    ¡°Nothing. How about you? Did your mom know anything?¡±


    ¡°I asked her about the Machine God and the WMDs,¡± Myrrh said, her gaze drifting. "But she claimed to know nothing. I... left out the part where I died though. No point in worrying her with that.¡± Her lips curved into a strained, hollow smile.


    ¡°Yeah, the whole thing was strange,¡± I muttered, tapping at my smartwatch. A faint hum filled the air as the hologram for the [Weaponry Enhancement Engineering Bios] flickered to life above my wrist. I scanned through the menu, my brows furrowing in confusion. ¡°I can¡¯t find it in the Bios right now, though. There''s no mention of Weapons of Mass Destruction. It¡¯s like they were never there, just a one-time glitch.¡±


    ¡°How about the blackout that knocked out the Archonlight Tower''s power? And what about that mysterious WAIFU?¡± Myrrh¡¯s voice had an edge of curiosity, her eyes narrowing as she leaned in slightly.


    I huffed in irritation. ¡°Do I look like a search engine AI to you?¡± I shot back, frustration creeping into my tone. ¡°I don¡¯t have any new info. All I''ve got are the same old conspiracy theories. Forget about that WAIFU¡ªthere¡¯s no way we¡¯ll figure it out unless she decides to target us directly.¡± My words came out sharper than I intended, but the tension of it all was wearing me down.


    ¡°Figures,¡± Myrrh sighed, rubbing her chin thoughtfully between two fingers. ¡°We could report the WAIFU to the university and maybe get some answers. But doing that would expose us, too. Even if she¡¯s seen your face, it¡¯ll take her time to track down your full identity.¡±


    Her words hit me like a cold gust of wind. For a moment, I stood frozen, a knot forming in my stomach. I¡¯d lived a strictly controlled life¡ªschool, dorm, repeat¡ªbarely venturing beyond the safety of Orbital Tech¡¯s campus. Here, I felt secure, shielded by the university¡¯s walls. But out there? In the sprawling metropolis? I wasn¡¯t so sure.


    I wouldn¡¯t dare wander the city alone. Not without someone to protect me. Maybe with a friendly WAIFU at my side, like Myrrh... that thought gave me a sliver of comfort.


    ¡°Hm?¡± Myrrh glanced at me with a curious tilt of her head. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Nothing,¡± I muttered, shaking my head dismissively.


    She raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. ¡°You know, staring at my cute face is free. Just make sure to praise me while you¡¯re at it, and I might even permit it¡ªhooligan or not.¡± Her smug expression gleamed with playful mischief.


    ¡°Fuck off,¡± I replied, rolling my eyes, though I couldn¡¯t suppress a small smile creeping onto my lips.


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    From the corner of my eye, I caught Neil and Fei stifling laughter at the side. Their amused faces set off a flicker of annoyance in me, and I let my sharp tongue do the rest.


    ¡°You two lovebirds enjoy listening to us bicker, huh?¡± I shot in their direction.


    Neil grinned, unfazed. ¡°I think it¡¯s more like playful fighting, like two best friends tossing banter back and forth.¡±


    ¡°Or more like a newly-wed couple!¡± Fei chimed in with a bright smile, her brown eyes sparkling as she pumped her fists. ¡°My stepdad and mom are like that too! You even smell like my stepdad!¡±


    ¡°Stop teasing us. There¡¯s no way we could ever fall for each other,¡± I said with a scoff, trying to brush off the thought before it lingered.


    ¡°Oh?¡± Neil leaned in closer, resting his arms and chin on my desk, his curiosity piqued. ¡°So, what¡¯s your ideal girlfriend then?¡±


    I paused for a moment, crossing my arms and staring off into space as I thought it over. ¡°Ideal girlfriend, huh... Well, she should be about as tall as me, with long hair, and sexy, like a model. Most importantly, she¡¯d need to have captivating eyes¡ªeyes that could pull you in.¡±


    ¡°Like Miss Myrrh?¡± Fei Xian¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement as she pumped her fists in the air.


    ¡°H-huuuh!?¡± Myrrh stammered, her eyes wide as her entire face flushed a deep red, as if someone had painted it with strawberries. ¡°W-what are you talking about, Zaft!?¡± Her voice wavered, and she instinctively began to twirl a strand of her hair around her fingers, clearly flustered.


    I couldn¡¯t help but remember my high school days, back when I secretly rated Myrrh a solid ten out of ten. In terms of physical traits, she was pretty much my ideal girl¡ªlong hair, striking eyes, everything. But I quickly waved off the thought. ¡°No, no, no,¡± I said, shaking my head and waving my hand in denial. ¡°My ideal girl has to be caring, humble, and kind. You know, unlike Myrrh.¡±


    At that moment, Myrrh¡¯s cheerful blush shifted into a cold glare, her eyes narrowing at me like sharp daggers. ¡°Hey, did you forget that I¡¯m sitting right next to you?¡± she muttered with a frustrated growl.


    ¡°Oh, right,¡± I responded with a sarcastic smirk. ¡°I forgot you¡¯re my seatmate.¡±


    Just as it seemed like we were about to dive into another heated back-and-forth, Neil intervened, stepping in like a peacemaker. ¡°How about you, Myrrh? What¡¯s your ideal boyfriend?¡± he asked, redirecting the conversation with a mischievous grin.


    Myrrh shot me one last glare before shifting her focus to Neil, her voice suddenly firm and decisive. ¡°My ideal boyfriend would be responsible, reliable, handsome, and elegant. In other words, someone who is nothing like you!¡± She jabbed a finger toward me, her expression brimming with irritation.


    ¡°Well, the feeling¡¯s mutual,¡± I retorted, crossing my arms with a mocking smirk. ¡°I¡¯d rather turn gay and suck my own cock than be stuck with an arrogant bitch like you.¡±


    ¡°At least you know your place, you incel goon,¡± Myrrh spat, her arms crossing tightly over her chest, eyebrows furrowing so deeply they seemed to twitch with fury. ¡°Because if I were ever forced to be your girlfriend, I¡¯d serve you a nice, steaming cup of poison on our very first anniversary.¡±


    ¡°If I were your boyfriend, I¡¯d drink it gladly¡ªright down to the last drop,¡± I shot back, a smile creeping onto my face, though it was fueled by anger rather than humor.


    Tension hung thick in the air as Myrrh and I both stood up, our eyes locked in a silent but fiery challenge. It seemed like we were about to go beyond words and throw hands at each other when suddenly, Neil and Fei rushed between us, frantically trying to cool the situation down.


    ¡°Chill, bro! Chill!¡± Neil pleaded, his arms stretched out like a human barricade between us.


    ¡°Um, Miss Myrrh,¡± Fei interjected, her voice soft but with a hint of urgency, ¡°how about we go to the target practice range? Please teach me some beam rifle aiming techniques!¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s expression remained hard for a moment longer before she let out a deep, frustrated sigh. ¡°Fine,¡± she muttered, her arms falling to her sides. ¡°I¡¯d rather teach Fei than waste another minute arguing with lowlife scum like you.¡±


    ¡°Speak for yourself, debt princess,¡± I snapped, my words cutting through the brief calm as she turned to leave.


    <><><>


    The four of us headed over to the firing range, requesting permission to use the area. The range was already bustling with others prepping for their upcoming shooting tests, but we were there for a more casual practice session.


    Neil and I sat on a bench, passing time while the girls went to change into their skinsuits. The wait dragged on for what felt like thirty minutes until, at last, Myrrh and Fei stepped out, fully suited up.


    The skinsuits left little to the imagination, clinging to every curve and emphasizing the WAIFU¡¯s form. Despite my personal grievances with Myrrh, I couldn¡¯t help but notice her hourglass figure¡ªher suit hugged her waist tightly, accentuating her ample chest and hips. It was impossible to ignore how the fabric pressed so snugly against her body that it even created a noticeable camel toe.


    Fei, on the other hand, wore her white skinsuit with a slimmer, more athletic build. She lacked the full "cake and bazoongas" that Myrrh flaunted, but, as wise men say, flat is justice. Fei had her own charms, the kind that had clearly captivated Neil.


    ¡°S-say, I know these skinsuits improve nerve connections with our Frame Units, but is it really necessary to wear them at the firing range?¡± Myrrh asked, her tone unsure.


    ¡°I feel like I can move my Frame Unit better when I¡¯m wearing this,¡± Fei said, pumping her fists, excitement lighting up her face.


    ¡°Yeah, but it¡¯s a bit tight,¡± Myrrh sighed, pressing a hand to her chest. ¡°Sometimes it¡¯s hard to breathe.¡±


    Fei glanced down at her own chest, her expression falling slightly. ¡°I¡¯m a little jealous of how big yours are... Mine look like they belong to a middle schooler,¡± she said, her voice tinged with disappointment.


    Feeling like I should add something to their conversation, I chimed in. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Fei. Yours are fine. Myrrh¡¯s just fat¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve had enough of you!¡± Myrrh roared, her patience snapping like a frayed wire. Without warning, she hurled her morpher straight at my face.

 Chapter 23 – KAWAII

    Chapter 23 ¨C KAWAII


    The sharp hum of a beam rifle echoed across the firing range, each shot sending a ripple through the air. It had been forty-five intense minutes of practice, and now Fei Xian, clad in the sleek, bright orange armor of her Frame Unit mode, was executing near-perfect shots. Her beam rifle fired with deadly precision, scoring hits on eighty to ninety percent of the targets. The plywood bullseyes were now peppered with smoldering, charred holes, evidence of her growing accuracy.


    "Good job, Fei," Myrrh called out from behind the protective barrier, her voice calm yet encouraging. "Remember, always aim a little below your target to counter the recoil. You¡¯re getting better with every shot. Let¡¯s wrap it up for today."


    With a soft shimmer, Fei Xian''s Frame Unit dissolved into a shower of sparkling particles, leaving her back in her familiar humanoid form. She turned, catching Myrrh''s gaze, and was immediately embraced in a warm hug.


    "Thank you for that wonderful tip, Miss Myrrh," Fei said, her face lighting up with a grateful smile. "I know it¡¯ll be a game-changer for the upcoming shooting drills."


    "Happy to help! You¡¯re the one who got me through advanced calculus, so I guess we¡¯re even now," Myrrh replied, flashing a grin of her own.


    The two girls shared a moment, their eyes locking in a silent understanding before they both let out a soft laugh, breaking the tension.


    Meanwhile, Neil and I sat quietly on the bench nearby, observing them with faint smiles. As we both deactivated our hologram displays in unison, Neil stretched his arms toward the sky, a relaxed expression settling over his face as he looked at me with a lazy grin.


    "Phew, my arms are stiff from keeping an eye on the Bios." Neil stretched and let out a relieved sigh before extending his fist toward me. "Thanks for the assist, Zaft. Time to call it a day."


    "Yeah, no problem. See you tomorrow," I replied, meeting his fist with a quick bump. As he turned away, I absentmindedly touched my cheek, still sore from the earlier incident.


    Neil quickly caught up with Fei, and I watched as the two of them fell into easy conversation, their smiles reflecting how well they meshed. A pang of envy twisted in my chest¡ªwatching how natural and effortless their bond was always stirred something in me. Honestly, they were perfect together. Sometimes, I wished they¡¯d just get married already, if only so I wouldn¡¯t have to keep enduring how sweet they were to each other. Their closeness was almost an eyesore.


    "Hey, Zaft." A soft, familiar voice pulled me from my thoughts. I turned and found Myrrh standing nearby, her deep blue eyes tinged with guilt.


    Startled, I reflexively stepped back into a defensive karate stance, bringing my arms up to guard my face. "W-What is it, you brute?" I stammered, a bit too loudly.


    Myrrh cringed, raising her hands in a surrendering gesture. "That¡¯s a bit of an overreaction, don¡¯t you think?" she said with a grimace. "I¡¯m sorry for earlier, okay? I didn¡¯t mean to hurt you."


    "That terrifying pitcher-like throw would kill me one day." The tension drained from me, and I lowered my arms, once again gingerly touching my still-throbbing cheek.


    "I just wanted to check which is harder: my morpher or your face." Without hesitation, Myrrh leaned in closer, inspecting the spot where the flying morpher had struck. Her face was only inches from mine, her expression softening with concern. "Are you hurt? Should I get you a cold compress or something?"


    "N-No, it''s fine." I stammered, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks as I took a nervous step back, suddenly overwhelmed by her proximity.


    Myrrh''s face flushed pink, her expression shifting to a pout. "I''m trying to make amends here, so just stay still," she huffed, her irritation barely masking the embarrassment in her voice.


    "I told you, it¡¯s fine." I narrowed my eyes at her, trying to push away the awkwardness. "What¡¯s with you? Did hell freeze over or something? Why are you suddenly so concerned about me?"


    "O-Of course I¡¯m concerned!" Myrrh shot back, her blush deepening as she crossed her arms defensively. "I admit it was my fault for hitting you, and I regret letting my emotions get the better of me. I mean... I can¡¯t just hit the person who saved my life, right?" Her voice softened, the guilt showing in her eyes. "You made a contract with that Machine God just to bring me back. I owe you my life, Zaft. I always pay my debts, so I¡¯ll do whatever it takes to make up for what happened."


    "And how exactly do you plan to make up for a whole life?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.


    Myrrh¡¯s shoulders slumped in defeat, her face falling. "I... I don¡¯t know," she admitted, her voice quiet. "What do you want me to do?"


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    I crossed my arms, smirking slightly. "Well, considering you¡¯re dirt poor, money¡¯s out of the question."


    "Hey! I might be in debt, but I¡¯m not a pauper!" Myrrh protested, stomping her foot on the ground with a scowl.


    "And I don¡¯t think offering your body is the best idea either, so that''s off the table," I added, unable to hide the teasing grin creeping onto my face.


    Myrrh¡¯s eyes immediately narrowed, her once-flushed face now cold as ice. "You really are a disgusting pervert, you know that?"


    "Aha!" I pointed dramatically at her, as if a lightbulb had flickered to life above my head. "How about this¡ªyou become my personal bodyguard? I mean, who knows, maybe people will find out I¡¯ve got WMDs or something, and then I¡¯ll end up being some science experiment. Or maybe one of those mysterious WAIFU units will try to kidnap me someday. I¡¯ll need someone to keep me safe! How about it, huh?"


    Myrrh''s expression darkened, her teeth grinding as she shot me a withering glare. "How dare you ask a proper lady like me to stoop so low as to guard a goon like you!" Her voice was sharp, dripping with indignation. "It should be the other way around!"


    Okay, maybe that idea wasn¡¯t as brilliant as I thought. In my mind, I¡¯d been hoping to kill two birds with one stone¡ªget her to protect me and stick close. But no, this girl was too proud and fiery for that.


    Then, her face suddenly lit up with an idea. "Oh! I¡¯ve got it!" She raised her index finger triumphantly, a mischievous smile spreading across her lips. "How about one date?"


    "Uh... pardon?" I blinked, caught off guard.


    "I¡¯ll make it up to you with one date," she said, her cheeks glowing with a faint blush as she giggled.


    "Is your life really worth just one date?" I replied, my voice cold and skeptical.


    "Ugh! F-Fine! Two dates!" she blurted out, her blush deepening as she haggled.


    "Three dates," I countered with a smirk, crossing my arms. "And you¡¯re covering all the meals, taking me to the best tourist spots on Xyraxis, and walking me home after each one."


    Myrrh gritted her teeth but managed to keep her composure, forcing a smile. "That¡¯s so audacious of you... but fine, three dates. You should feel lucky that an elegant lady like me is willing to go out with a punk like you. But after those three dates, we¡¯re square, got it?"


    "Deal," I said, nodding.


    "Let¡¯s do the first one this Saturday, if you''re free," Myrrh offered, extending her hand for a handshake. I accepted, feeling the warmth and softness of her skin as our hands met. It was... surprisingly pleasant.


    I agreed to the three dates not just because of her offer, but because it would also double as a sort of bodyguard duty¡ªshe¡¯d be with me for three instances, keeping me company. Besides, who wouldn¡¯t want to spend time with someone as striking as her? I¡¯d grown accustomed to having her around, and if I was being honest, I enjoyed every moment of it.


    Also... I¡¯ve never been on an actual date before. Maybe, just maybe, I could learn something about romance from these outings with Myrrh.


    <><><>


    Myrrh and I left the firing range and made our way down the narrow road leading to the dormitories. The sound of our footsteps echoed lightly against the pavement, filling the quiet between us. As we walked, a fleeting thought crossed my mind, and without much hesitation, I turned to Myrrh.


    "Hey, Myrrh. How come you''re bad at Advanced Calculus? I thought you were a total Mary Sue¡ªnearly perfect at everything. Didn''t we already cover that subject last year?" I teased, casting a sideways glance at her.


    Myrrh''s cheeks puffed up in irritation, a slight pout forming on her lips. "Maybe for you and the other special curriculum students. But for us regular folks, we only got the basics. And, in case you forgot, I was busy with student council duties. I didn¡¯t exactly have time to focus on calculus," she huffed. "The extra credits from my extracurriculars kept my grades afloat. Ephraim used to help me with it back then."


    "Good thing you have Fei Xian now," I said with a knowing smile, earning a sharp glare from Myrrh.


    She opened her mouth to retort, but something in front of us caught both of our attention. Standing in the middle of the path was a tall, slim woman. Her long pink hair, tied into a neat ponytail, cascaded down her back, and her white office uniform gave her an air of professional authority. Her red lips curled into a confident smile as she blocked our way.


    "Good afternoon. You are Miss Myrrh Alicent and Mister Zaft Callahan, correct?" the woman asked, her voice smooth and direct.


    Myrrh and I exchanged a quick glance, silently debating whether we should confirm our identities. There didn¡¯t seem to be any harm in it, so we both nodded cautiously.


    "Excellent. Saves me the trouble of tracking you down." The pink-haired woman¡¯s smile widened as she reached into her pocket and produced a badge. The emblem gleamed in the fading light, with the word "KAWAII" boldly printed across it. "My name is Feena Arcaliburn. I¡¯m an agent of the Knowledge Assessment for Wide-ranging Anomalies and Intelligent Investigations. I¡¯d like to invite you both to our office. It''s just a stone¡¯s throw away from the faculty office on campus."


    Without hesitation, Myrrh stepped forward, her arm snapping out to the side protectively, placing herself between me and the agent like a shield. The sudden gesture of bravery struck me¡ªdespite her earlier grumbling, she was ready to defend me. It was oddly touching.


    "Are we being arrested?" Myrrh''s voice was firm, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. "We haven¡¯t broken any university rules, and as far as I know, we haven¡¯t violated any laws here on Xyraxis."


    Agent Feena''s smile didn''t waver, her demeanor calm and unthreatened. "Relax. I¡¯m not here to arrest you." With a casual flick of her wrist, she brought up a tablet, turning it to face us. Displayed on the screen was an image of a white-and-gold Frame Unit locked in battle with a red, cloaked Frame Unit. My breath caught in my throat. Perched on the shoulder of the white mech was a figure unmistakably familiar¡ªme.


    That picture had to have been taken during our skirmish with the mysterious Frame Unit that ambushed us. But now, with the investigation agents involved and aware of our identities, it felt like we were being dragged onto a fast-moving train to destination fucked.


    "What do you want from us?" Myrrh asked, her voice hard and steady.


    Agent Feena¡¯s eyes glinted as she leaned in ever so slightly, her smile growing almost playful. "A lot. But for starters, I¡¯d like to see the strength of the daughter of the heroine." Her words dripped with both curiosity and challenge, as if she already knew more than she was letting on.

 Chapter 24 – Against a Rocket Agent

    Chapter 24 ¨C Against a Rocket Agent


    Myrrh and I trailed behind the pink-haired agent from a bizarrely-named bureau. Her strides were quick, purposeful, leading us past the towering faculty building, its windows reflecting the overcast sky. At last, we arrived at KAWAII headquarters¡ªa small, unimposing structure of just two stories, its dull exterior betraying the curious name it bore.


    But it wasn''t our first stop. The agent ushered us further into an expansive, open hangar that stretched out like a cavernous mouth. The emptiness inside was unsettling, the echo of our footsteps swallowed by the thick, oppressive silence. Not a soul in sight. A chill crawled up my spine as if the very air had grown heavy with anticipation.


    Agent Feena Arcaliburn halted abruptly in the center of the hangar, her vibrant hair catching a sliver of pale light filtering in through the high windows. She stood tall, pulling out a strange device¡ªa sleek morpher adorned in white, pink, and black. Her emerald eyes gleamed with a barely contained excitement, and a confident, almost mischievous smile tugged at the corners of her lips. My suspicions were confirmed: this secret agent was indeed a WAIFU.


    "I think this spot will do just fine. Mister Callahan, please step back," she commanded, her tone casual yet authoritative.


    I exchanged a glance with Myrrh, who responded with a small nod, her face steeled in agreement. Reluctantly, I took several cautious steps back, ensuring I was far enough to avoid any collateral damage¡ªjust in case these two transformed into something monstrous, like towering mechs. As I distanced myself, the weight of the moment began to sink in. I stood at least ten meters away when Agent Feena''s voice cut through the silence again.


    "Remember, no half measures. Fight me with everything you''ve got, daughter of the heroine. Fight as if you''re facing the Cosmic Beasts again, just like that night."


    My heart skipped a beat, and I could see the surprise flicker in Myrrh''s eyes as well.


    With a low growl of frustration, Myrrh brandished her own morpher, her grip tight and knuckles white. She had no choice but to comply. We didn''t know what Feena was capable of, but this challenge was clear¡ªthere was no avoiding the sparring match.


    The WAIFUs stood back-to-back, tension crackling in the air between them. With synchronized precision, they each took twenty-five deliberate paces forward, their footsteps echoing in the vast hangar. As they turned to face each other once again, both lifted their morphers high, their movements sharp and purposeful.


    "Frame Unit, Awaken!" they shouted in unison, their voices ringing with authority.


    In an instant, twin pillars of radiant light engulfed the women, shimmering and pulsating with power. Myrrh''s transformation was swift and familiar¡ªher body encased in sleek white and gold armor, the signature mech she wielded in countless battles. Opposite her, Agent Feena emerged from the glow, her Frame Unit a striking contrast¡ªpink armor with white and black plating that gleamed under the hangar lights. Veins of green circuitry coursed through the gaps in her armor, pulsing like a heartbeat, and her emerald eyes burned with fierce intensity behind the mech''s visor.


    Both Frame Units shifted into fighting stances, metallic limbs adjusting, engines humming with energy. Myrrh, true to her hot-headed nature, launched the first attack. Her leg thrusters ignited with a fiery burst, propelling her forward in a blur of motion.


    "Hraaaaaah!" Myrrh roared as she spun in the air, her leg outstretched in a deadly arc aimed straight at Feena''s mech.


    The force of the kick was explosive, but Agent Feena reacted swiftly, raising her left mechanical arm just in time to block the strike. Metal met metal with a deafening clang, and fragments of armor chipped away from both mechs. Despite the damage, Feena stood her ground, the block absorbing the brunt of Myrrh''s attack.


    "Not bad," Feena remarked coolly, her voice edged with approval. Without missing a beat, she launched her counterattack¡ªthree lightning-fast jabs aimed directly at Myrrh''s mech head. Each blow landed with precision, forcing Myrrh back, her Frame Unit staggering under the assault.


    Seizing the moment, Feena''s thrusters flared, and she leaped into the air, delivering a powerful kick straight to Myrrh''s head.


    "Gah!" Myrrh grunted as her mech crashed to the ground with a resounding boom, the impact sending tremors through the hangar floor, as if the earth itself shuddered from the blow.


    "Not bad," Agent Feena remarked, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "I haven''t seen a First Year WAIFU handle her Frame Unit with such fluid control, like it''s an extension of her own body. I bet you''re just as agile in your human form. But..." Her emerald eyes glinted with anticipation as she took a step forward, "that''s not what I''m after. Show me the power¡ªthe particle beam of light."


    Myrrh, still groaning from the impact, forced herself to her feet. "Zaft!" she called out, her voice filled with urgency. "Do it!"


    Since Agent Feena had clearly witnessed the events of that night, there was no use holding back. I glanced down at the device on my arm, fingers hovering above the interface. The system hummed to life, flickering to reveal the familiar screen.


    [Weaponry Enhancement Engineering Bios]


    [Clearance ¨C Level 4]


    [Level 1 - Laser Sword]


    [Level 2 - Beam Rifle]


    [Level 3 - Light Shield]


    [Level 4 ¨C Jetpack]


    I scrolled through the options, frustration bubbling up inside me. There was no sign of the WMD series anywhere. I still hadn''t figured out the trigger for it. Maybe a voice command? That seemed plausible.


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    "System! Unlock Weapon of Mass Destruction Series!" I shouted, my voice echoing in the vast hangar.


    Nothing.


    I frowned. Maybe it needed more... enthusiasm?


    Drawing in a deep breath, I unleashed a barrage of iconic phrases, each more impassioned than the last:


    "Leeroy Jenkins! Shazam! Avengers, Assemble! Henshin! Kamehameha! Bankai! Plus Ultra! Gear Second! Water Breathing: First Form! Domain Expansion! Kage Bunshin no Jutsu! Za Warudo!"


    The silence that followed was deafening. Not even a flicker of activation. My face flushed with embarrassment.


    "What the hell are you doing, Zaft!?" Myrrh hissed through gritted teeth, eyes darting nervously towards Agent Feena. "You''re embarrassing me in front of a KAWAII Agent!"


    I winced. Yeah, I was definitely not winning any points here. Not even a power-up.


    "I don''t know how to activate it! I have no fucking idea!" I threw my hands up in frustration, helplessly shrugging my shoulders.


    Myrrh, equally exasperated, glanced at me before turning toward the pink mech agent, mimicking my shrug with a look of pure disbelief. "I don''t know him. Please, don''t mind. Just pretend he''s a cockroach scuttling by."


    "Oh..." Agent Feena''s eyes lit up with realization. "So the power you used back then came from your partner, huh?"


    Before we could fully register what she''d said, Agent Feena shifted back into her fighting stance. To both Myrrh''s and my surprise, her thrusters roared to life, mechanical legs and elbows blazing as she launched herself toward us with terrifying speed.


    "I''ll just have to force it out of you two!" she declared, her voice laced with determination.


    "What the¡ª" Myrrh gasped, completely off-guard as Agent Feena''s right arm swung forward in a brutal lariat. The impact slammed into Myrrh''s torso, sending her sprawling to the ground yet again. "Gah!"


    Without missing a beat, Feena''s leg boosters fired, propelling her into the air in a graceful arc. Her form twisted, and she raised her right leg for a devastating axe kick aimed straight at Myrrh''s head. The blow came down like a meteor, and in a split second, Myrrh rolled to her left, barely escaping the deadly strike. The impact of Feena''s kick left a crater in the hangar floor, a testament to the force behind it.


    "She''s getting serious!" Myrrh yelped, scrambling back to her feet.


    But there was no time to rest¡ªFeena surged forward again, this time her right fist alight with a blinding flame as all of her thrusters ignited at once. It was a flaming rocket punch, hurtling toward Myrrh''s already battered frame with terrifying precision.


    My pulse raced. If I didn''t act now, Myrrh was done for. Without thinking, I jabbed my finger onto the [Light Shield] option on my arm device, the command activating instantly. My left arm began to glow as energy surged through the Frame Unit.


    "Light Shield, Equip!" I shouted, my voice cutting through the chaos as I pointed my glowing arm at Myrrh.


    A diamond-shaped steel shield materialized on Myrrh''s right arm, shimmering for a moment before she braced herself against the incoming blow. Agent Feena''s flaming fist collided with the shield in a violent burst of sparks and force. The impact was overwhelming¡ªthe shield shattered into countless fragments, scattering like shattered glass across the hangar. Thin smoke curled from the remnants of the blow, enveloping the area in a hazy cloud.


    Myrrh, reacting with the instincts of a seasoned fighter, used the momentum from the punch to spring backward, creating some distance between herself and Agent Feena. Her thrusters hummed to life, propelling her into a retreat.


    "That punch..." Myrrh muttered under her breath, her voice tinged with awe and excitement. "It blasted right through my shield! Professional WAIFUs are on a whole other level!"


    Her eyes gleamed with thrill, the sheer strength of her opponent igniting a competitive fire inside her. We both knew the truth¡ªour opponent was an agent, a fully-fledged WAIFU who had already graduated from Orbital Tech. Against her, we didn''t stand a chance. Even if we fought in perfect synchronization, the gap in experience and power was too wide. But that didn''t seem to matter to Myrrh. The challenge of facing an unbeatable enemy only fueled her excitement.


    "Zaft!" Myrrh called out, her voice sharp with urgency. "We can take the advantage from range!"


    I didn''t need any further explanation¡ªI knew exactly what she was planning. My fingers flew across the Bios interface, quickly selecting the options she needed.


    "Beam Rifle, Equip! Jetpack, Equip!" I commanded, my left hand glowing as the system responded.


    In an instant, cybernetic circles formed around Myrrh''s right hand and back. From the glowing energy, a sleek beam rifle materialized in her grip, while a winged jetpack manifested on her back, its thrusters flickering to life. Myrrh wasted no time, launching herself into the air with a burst of speed. She hovered above, the thrusters from her jetpack stabilizing her as she took aim, her beam rifle trained on Agent Feena.


    With precise movements, Myrrh fired, rapid laser beams cutting through the smoky air toward her opponent.


    But Agent Feena was faster¡ªfar faster than I anticipated. Her thrusters ignited, sending her darting forward with incredible agility. Each beam Myrrh fired was effortlessly dodged, Feena twisting and maneuvering as though she could predict the trajectory of the shots before Myrrh even pulled the trigger. It was as if she was one step ahead in every movement, her evasive maneuvers almost too fluid to follow.


    With a surge of momentum, Agent Feena rocketed upward, using the thrusters in her legs to propel herself high into the air, matching Myrrh''s altitude with ease. Her movements were fluid, almost effortless, as her rocket boosters flared to life once more, this time blazing on her arms. She was ready to deliver another devastating punch¡ªthis time with Myrrh fully in her sights.


    "Zaft!" Myrrh''s voice cracked through the comms, a desperate plea for assistance.


    Agent Feena was closing in fast, leaving Myrrh with little choice but to prepare for close-quarters combat. Her ranged attacks had all missed their mark, and now she had to rely on her last resort. Without hesitation, I quickly tapped on the [Laser Sword] option, my fingers moving with urgency.


    "Laser Sword, Equip!" I commanded, sending a pulse of energy toward Myrrh.


    In an instant, a glowing beam saber materialized in her left hand. With a determined cry, Myrrh slashed sideways with a swift, precise arc. "I got you!"


    But in the final moment, Agent Feena''s boosters cut out. Her rocket punch was canceled mid-flight, and with stunning agility, she twisted her body in an acrobatic spin, her thrusters on her legs flaring as she adjusted her trajectory midair. A burst of jet flames propelled her right leg downward in a devastating axe kick aimed at Myrrh''s left shoulder.


    "Kyaaah!" Myrrh cried as the impact sent her crashing to the ground with a deafening thud.


    The force of the blow scattered metal debris across the hangar floor, the sound of ripping and shattering steel echoing through the vast space. Myrrh''s jetpack wings were bent and fractured, barely holding together. Her beam rifle and laser sword were flung from her grasp, disarmed and skidding across the floor. Worst of all, her left shoulder was brutally damaged¡ªthe entire mechanical arm torn away in the wreckage.


    "Myrrh!" I shouted, my heart pounding in my chest. "Are you okay?!"


    But there was no response. Myrrh lay still, her Frame Unit silent. A cold fear gripped me. Was she... dead?


    Suddenly, a sharp jolt of pain shot through my skull like a lightning bolt. It was brief but intense, and in that instant, the holographic display on my Bios flickered. The screen turned red, and new text scrolled across it.


    [Weapon of Mass Destruction Series Unlocked]

 Chapter 25 – The Vanguard Slayer

    Chapter 25 ¨C The Vanguard Slayer


    [Weaponry Enhancement Engineering Bios]


    [Clearance - Level 4]


    [Weapon of Mass Destruction Unlocked]


    [Level 1 - Particle Cannon]


    [Level 2 - Uranium Blade]


    [Level 3 - Shadow Curtain]


    [Level 4 - Lightning Storm]


    As soon as the WMD Series menu appeared on my holographic screen, I felt a surge of cold determination. I knew exactly what I had to do. With a swift press on the [Uranium Blade] option, my left arm thrummed to life, pulsing with red-hot circuitry that ran like rivers beneath my skin. I aimed my hand toward Myrrh, steady as a trigger finger, each second stretching with anticipation.


    ¡°Uranium Blade, Activate!¡±


    The command echoed, and a crimson cybernetic circle blazed into existence above Myrrh, casting an ominous red hue over the sparring floor. Recognizing the danger, Agent Feena leaped back, her posture taut, ready for anything. Her movements left a faint trail, and her sharp gaze was now locked on the weapon forming in Myrrh¡¯s hand.


    With her remaining right arm, Myrrh reached up into the flickering red circle, grasping the cool steel hilt that materialized there. As she withdrew it, a blade of sickly green energy hummed to life, casting an eerie glow on her face. Myrrh swung the blade to her side, assuming a unique stance¡ªpart defiant, part unyielding, and all her own.


    ¡°So, this is the Weapon of Mass Destruction Series,¡± Agent Feena murmured, her voice edged with an unmistakable note of admiration. Her green mechanical eyes scanned me, bright with intrigue. ¡°Nothing like this is in the WEEB database. It seems you only reveal it when your partner is in real trouble.¡±


    I met her gaze, expression cold, keeping my intentions close. A confrontation with Agent Feena about the WMD Series was inevitable, but first, I would need to consult with Myrrh after the match.


    Myrrh gave a tight smile, her tone lifting with a hint of confidence. ¡°Is this what you¡¯re looking for, Agent Feena?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Agent Feena replied, a spark of intensity flaring in her eyes. Flames erupted around her fists as she dropped into a combat-ready stance. ¡°Show me what you¡¯ve got!¡±


    Myrrh lunged forward, her movements swift and determined, her mechanical right arm arched and ready to strike. As she closed the distance, she swung the glowing green blade with a fierce downward slash. In a blur, Agent Feena''s pink Frame Unit twisted, dodging to the right with a precision that left Myrrh exposed, an opening on her blind side.


    It was the perfect opportunity for Agent Feena to counterattack. But the Uranium Blade had an unexpected twist.


    As Myrrh¡¯s blade sliced through the air, it tore open a volatile rift, splitting atoms in its wake. A blinding burst erupted from the blade, a chain reaction that exploded within the confines of the hangar, filling the space with a thick, roiling smoke.


    ¡°Damn!¡± Agent Feena shouted, her voice laced with urgency. ¡°Activate Overdrive Mode!¡±


    Agent Feena¡¯s pink Frame Unit ignited, the gaps in her mechanical armor glowing with searing crimson energy. Flames surged along the seams of her suit as she leaped back just in time to avoid the fallout from Myrrh¡¯s nuclear blast. Her agility was remarkable, the intensity of her motion leaving a faint afterimage of fire in the air.


    "W-What was that?¡± Myrrh murmured, stunned, her gaze locked onto Agent Feena''s red-hot form. ¡°She¡¯s too fast!¡±


    ¡°She¡­ she actually turned red?¡± I whispered, staring, mouth slightly open in amazement.


    Then, as swiftly as it had flared, the crimson glow faded. Agent Feena¡¯s armor returned to its original pink and white, the flames dying down to a low, controlled ember. She raised both mechanical arms in a gesture of surrender. ¡°I yield,¡± she announced, her tone steady but edged with caution. ¡°If we keep going, this could get lethal. Let¡¯s call it a day.¡±


    Myrrh lowered her radioactive blade, the weapon¡¯s faint glow casting a final eerie light as the duel concluded. The air was thick with tension, and the memory of the clash still crackled, a fitting end to a match of unexpected twists and close calls.


    <><><>


    Agent Feena led us to the KAWAII Office, a sleek, high-tech space with soft lighting and metallic accents, where the comforting aroma of chamomile tea wafted through the air. We settled into a small, cozy nook where Myrrh and I gratefully accepted the tea and a tray of delicately arranged biscuits.


    As we sipped, we recounted everything to Agent Feena¡ªdetails from the Blackout of Metropolis, the terrifying moment when the Cosmic Beast took Myrrh¡¯s life, my desperate pact with the Machine God, and the mysterious Frame Unit that had relentlessly hunted us down.


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    When we finished, Agent Feena¡¯s gaze grew distant for a moment before she reached into a drawer, retrieving a slim folder. She opened it, revealing a series of photographs. They were taken during that fateful night: grainy, haunting images of Cosmic Beasts wreaking havoc in the darkness, and several striking shots of Myrrh, mid-battle in her Frame Unit Mode, standing alone against the monstrous onslaught.


    ¡°These pictures,¡± Agent Feena began, her lips curving into a smirk, ¡°are more than enough evidence to warrant disciplinary action. First-years and second-years are strictly forbidden from deploying without authorization. You¡¯re both fortunate that these are classified and haven¡¯t been shared publicly.¡±


    ¡°Haha¡­ thanks for that,¡± Myrrh said, chuckling nervously and scratching her cheek, her tone light despite the tension. ¡°You really saved our butts.¡±


    But Agent Feena¡¯s smile faded, her expression turning deadly serious. She leaned forward, her mechanical green eyes narrowing. ¡°That¡¯s not why these photos are being kept under wraps,¡± she continued, her voice dropping low. ¡°There¡¯s classified information in here that may provide leads¡­ leads that point to the real instigator behind that blackout.¡±


    ¡°The culprit?¡± Myrrh echoed, her head tilting in confusion, her gaze caught on Feena¡¯s intense expression.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Agent Feena replied, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. ¡°The raid that night was orchestrated by someone on the inside¡ªlikely a member of the university. If we publicize these photos, the culprit would be tipped off, making it harder to catch her off guard. We need her to slip up, to make one careless move that¡¯ll expose her, because she¡¯s not just a threat¡ªshe¡¯s deadly.¡±


    She pulled out another photograph, setting it down with deliberate precision. It showed a red bulky Frame Unit, its silhouette shrouded by a dark cloak, standing ominously amidst the flames of the ravaged city.


    ¡°This mysterious Frame Unit,¡± she continued, her eyes flashing, ¡°the one you fought that night¡ªit single-handedly killed three Vanguard WAIFUs sent in ahead of you.¡±


    ¡°No way¡­¡± I muttered, the realization hitting hard. ¡°She took down even the Vanguard?¡±


    Agent Feena nodded grimly. ¡°Vanguard WAIFUs are our elite. They¡¯re the first line of defense in any raid and are top-tier graduates of the university, each licensed and experienced. That¡¯s why this mysterious red Frame Unit is so unsettling. And, just as intriguing, is the fact that the only one who managed to hold her off was you two.¡± She turned, fixing her sharp gaze on me. ¡°Now that I¡¯ve witnessed your power, I don¡¯t doubt that, if you had control, you could take her down.¡±


    ¡°She still got away, though,¡± Myrrh interjected, a hint of teasing lacing her voice. I started at the unexpected weight of her hand ruffling my hair. ¡°Maybe if this guy knew how to handle his mysterious powers better, we could¡¯ve captured her.¡±


    I scowled, swatting her hand away. ¡°Oh, so it¡¯s my fault now? You¡¯re the one who died that night, remember?¡±


    A mischievous grin tugged at Myrrh¡¯s lips, but before she could retort, Agent Feena interjected. ¡°Actually, I might know what triggers the WMD series.¡± She gestured for our attention, her expression turning scientific and sharp. ¡°During our duel with Miss Alicent, I monitored both of your brainwaves. I noticed they synced perfectly whenever she was in danger.¡±


    ¡°Huh.¡± Myrrh sighed, letting her shoulders relax as she thought back. ¡°For a second there, my mind just¡­ went blank. I never realized Zaft felt the same way. I think this might be the first time he¡¯s activated it willingly since he made the contract with the Machine God.¡±


    Agent Feena leaned back, crossing her legs with a measured smile. ¡°Well, there¡¯s a first time for everything¡ªand the two of you did well to survive that night. Just remember, keep everything we discussed here to yourselves. No one can know about the mysterious WAIFU or this Machine God you two encountered. I don¡¯t know what sort of being you crossed paths with, but I¡¯d advise you to guard that information carefully.¡±


    ¡°Copy that, Agent Feena.¡± Myrrh offered a playful salute, a slight grin lifting her face. ¡°But, one more thing. That crimson light you used during our fight¡ªwhat exactly was that?¡±


    Agent Feena¡¯s expression softened, a hint of pride in her smile. ¡°Ah, the Overdrive Mode,¡± she said. ¡°It¡¯s an experimental skill we¡¯ve developed for WAIFUs in the investigative team. It triples both agility and power, amplifying the Frame Unit¡¯s capabilities. Quite the asset in a pinch.¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s eyes lit up with wonder. ¡°So the WAIFUs in the investigative team get that upgrade, huh?¡± She glanced down, fingers tapping thoughtfully on her knee. ¡°I have to admit, joining KAWAII sounds tempting.¡±


    ¡°I thought you wanted to follow your mother into the Vanguard?¡± I asked, arching an eyebrow.


    ¡°I do,¡± Myrrh replied, her tone thoughtful. ¡°But my mom¡­ she doesn¡¯t have something like Overdrive Mode. As much as I want to follow in her footsteps, I also want to surpass her.¡± Her fists clenched, a spark of determination lighting her eyes.


    Agent Feena¡¯s gaze softened, her admiration evident. ¡°I have no doubt you¡¯ll surpass her,¡± she said, touching her cheek in a gesture of thoughtfulness. ¡°You¡¯re one of the most skilled WAIFUs I¡¯ve encountered¡ªforcing me to use Overdrive Mode was no small feat. If our fight had continued, I can¡¯t say I would¡¯ve left unscathed.¡±


    ¡°Myrrh only managed to corner you because of me,¡± I muttered, unable to keep the edge from my voice.


    ¡°Oh yes, you too,¡± Agent Feena replied with a sly grin. ¡°The two of you would be quite an asset to the KAWAII.¡± She reached over to the table, picking up her tablet and scrolling through it with a casual swipe.


    ¡°Wait¡­ are you implying that you want to recruit us?¡± Myrrh¡¯s eyes lit up, and she pumped her fists, her excitement bubbling over in a rare display of childlike enthusiasm.


    Agent Feena glanced up from her tablet with an amused smile. ¡°You¡¯re welcome to apply for an internship, but there¡¯s one condition¡ªyou¡¯ll both need to secure your licenses first.¡±


    With a quick tap, she turned the screen toward us, revealing a flashy advertisement. In bold letters, it announced: Licensure Examination Tournament for WAIFUs Now Open.


    Myrrh¡¯s eyes sparkled as she leaned closer to the screen. ¡°Looks like our next challenge just found us,¡± she said, her voice laced with determination.

 Chapter 26 - Ostrich’s Egg

    Chapter 26 - Ostrich¡¯s Egg


    [Examination Start]


    The piercing whistle echoed, signaling the start of the Weaponry Basics Test. Myrrh, encased in her white-and-gold, colossal mech armor, stood poised in the starting zone, her figure gleaming under the stark lights of the simulation room. Around us, a sprawling metropolis materialized, its streets, skyscrapers, and overpasses casting long, shadowed lines, replicating the urban warfare environment she was about to navigate.


    I glanced at the holographic minimap, a glowing grid pulsating with destination points, and set the first marker. ¡°Go to the first position!¡±


    With a surge, Myrrh ignited her boosters, the soft hum building into a roar as she rocketed forward. She angled expertly toward a squat building, its sign flashing ¡°1st¡± in bright, neon letters. In one fluid motion, Myrrh vaulted over the building¡¯s edge, landing with a resonant clang that echoed through the simulated city streets. She pressed on, zeroing in on the dummy ahead.


    ¡°Laser Sword, equip!¡± I commanded, tapping the controls on the WEEB System. Beside Myrrh, a cybernetic ring flared into existence, swirling with bright blue energy. Without hesitation, she reached through, withdrawing the gleaming Laser Sword, its edge humming with power. In a swift, arcing slash, she cleaved the dummy cleanly in half, sparks flickering as it split and fell.


    ¡°Second position, go!¡± I called, my voice ringing across the comm.


    Myrrh charged onward, sprinting toward the elevated highway where the next target awaited. She skidded to a halt within a red circle marked ¡°2nd¡± as her scanners detected another dummy, hidden partially by the looming skyscrapers, positioned six hundred meters downrange.


    ¡°Beam Rifle, equip!¡± I commanded again, pressing firmly on the Bios control. Another cybernetic ring materialized at Myrrh¡¯s side, and in one fluid motion, she holstered the Laser Sword and drew the Beam Rifle. Steadying her aim, she lined up the shot with deadly precision, pulling the trigger. A searing green laser shot across the distance, striking the dummy squarely in the head, disintegrating it in an instant.


    ¡°Third position, on the east side!¡± I directed, my adrenaline spiking as she prepared to move.


    Myrrh sprinted ahead, her mechanical limbs pounding against the pavement as she raced through the city simulation. Suddenly, a streak of color shot across her vision¡ªpaintballs hurtling toward her in quick succession. She twisted, narrowly evading the barrage, and ducked behind a low-rise building for cover, the splatter of paint from missed shots marking her path.


    ¡°Light Shield, equip!¡± I commanded, tapping the WEEB System.


    A glowing cybernetic circle flared to life beside Myrrh, and with swift precision, she reached through, pulling out a diamond-shaped metal shield. She braced it in her left hand, its polished surface gleaming as she charged forward, the incoming paintballs splattering harmlessly against it in a shower of neon colors. With her Laser Sword at the ready in her other hand, she closed the distance and slashed downward, splitting the paintball-firing dummy in a single, fluid motion.


    ¡°Fourth position, through the ramp!¡± I directed, feeling the thrill of her momentum as she raced ahead.


    Myrrh¡¯s gaze locked onto an upslope bridge¡ªa sleek, metal ramp stretching up into the air. She broke into a sprint, mechanical joints and boosters combining to give her speed and stability as she powered up the incline. As she ascended, I tapped the controls again to queue up her next equipment.


    ¡°Jetpack, equip!¡± I called out, activating the command.


    Another cybernetic circle shimmered into existence, this time behind her. A backpack with jet-like wings materialized onto her armor, the engines whirring to life. With a powerful roar, the jets activated, lifting her just as she reached the peak of the bridge. She soared upward, gaining height with each burst, ready to tackle whatever lay ahead in the test.


    Three hundred meters above, three floating dummies with quadcopter wings hovered in formation, positioning themselves in a triangular trap around Myrrh. They buzzed, circling her like predatory drones, each one drifting into a slightly different vantage point. Myrrh didn¡¯t waste a second. With a precise throw, she launched her Light Shield, which spiraled through the air, colliding with the first dummy in a loud crash that sent it spiraling downward. Without pausing, she hurled her Laser Sword toward the next, the blade slicing through it in a radiant arc of energy. For the final dummy, she raised her Beam Rifle, steadied her aim, and fired, the green laser piercing the target in a clean hit.


    ¡°Final position, to the north!¡± I shouted over the comm.


    Myrrh responded immediately, angling her jetpack wings northward, then activating the boosters to surge forward in a powerful, sweeping glide. As the finish line¡ªa bright red marker across the simulated street¡ªcame into view, she released the jetpack wings midair to save time, letting herself freefall. She landed with a dramatic roll, like an action star, finally coming to a stop directly on the red line as the dust settled around her.


    The sharp sound of the whistle rang out.


    [Examination Finished]


    ¡°Well done, Myrrh Alicent and Zaft Callahan!¡± Professor Bang¡¯s voice boomed over the speaker system. ¡°You¡¯ve set the highest record for the first-years. But don¡¯t get comfortable; it¡¯s not hard to improve on garbage, so keep working on it.¡±


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    I raised an eyebrow, wondering if Professor Bang¡¯s comment was meant as praise or insult. Either way, we had aced the practical exam yet again.


    ¡°Myrrh, great job!¡± Our classmate Cindy ran over, pulling her into a hug. Then Fei joined, beaming with pride, and soon the rest of the WAIFU batch surrounded her, all congratulating her enthusiastically.


    ¡°You aced it again!¡± Fei grinned, squeezing her in excitement.


    ¡°It¡¯s just basic skill,¡± Myrrh replied with a smug flick of her long, lime-green hair, her mouth curved in a playful smirk.


    Meanwhile, my best friend Neil approached me, clapping me on the shoulder with a warm smile. ¡°Even with your daily lover¡¯s spat, you two have amazing teamwork. You¡¯re pretty compatible with each other.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just basic skill,¡± I replied, mimicking Myrrh¡¯s signature line with a grin.


    ¡°Haha. You know, with Myrrh, it sounded okay since she¡¯s basically a Mary Sue. But you? You just sound like an arrogant thug.¡± Remuel¡¯s voice cut through the noise as he sidled up beside me, his smirk making his comment almost a tease.


    Remuel Parsley was a small guy with a warm brown complexion and a mop of ginger hair that seemed to catch every bit of light in the room. With his junior cadet uniform and compact stature, he had a certain charm, almost like a midget cosplayer pulled straight out of a military-themed anime. I¡¯d met him by chance after we both showed up to campus way too early last Tuesday, and we¡¯d ended up chatting about everything from action movies to martial arts, making him a pretty easy person to get along with.


    I gave him a sly grin, resting my hands on my hips and lifting my chin in mock arrogance. ¡°Hey, I¡¯m just sharing the arrogance with my partner¡ªit¡¯s a team effort.¡±


    ¡°Fine, fine, Mister Ace,¡± he replied, rolling his eyes but grinning anyway.


    My gaze drifted over to where Myrrh stood in the center of the crowd, her green hair flowing down her back as she basked in her well-earned praise. I caught a flash of movement, and maybe it was coincidence, but I saw her blue eyes twinkling as she looked back at me. She raised her hand in a casual wave, a slight smile gracing her face.


    I raised my hand in return, a small smile creeping onto my face. Moments like these were rare, but they made me feel like Myrrh was finally growing on me. Or maybe I was just getting immune to her often trashy personality. Either way, she wasn¡¯t half bad when you looked past the attitude. Knowing her a little better now, I realized there was more to her than just bravado and perfection¡ªsomething that made me almost glad to be her partner.


    <><><>


    As the next class began, Professor Chen took the front of the room, activating the hologram display. The room dimmed, and shimmering images of Cosmic Beasts appeared, each one cycling across the screen in vivid detail. Lions with blazing eyes, gorillas with muscles rippling under cosmic armor, eagles with wings as vast as mountain ranges, and Sphinx-like creatures with enigmatic faces¡ªall these monstrous forms floated before us, casting an eerie glow across the room.


    ¡°Cosmic Beasts are entities from dimensions beyond our current comprehension,¡± Professor Chen began, his tone both reverent and cautionary. ¡°Some theorize that they originate from alternate universes. They traverse the cosmos by assuming the form of celestial bodies, most often as meteors, appearing like distant stars before crashing onto our worlds. These creatures were worshipped as gods by ancient civilizations¡ªthe Aztecs, the Egyptians. Yet, when Christianity rose, they were rebranded as devils: Beelzebub, Focalors, even the beast of 666 is theorized to be a Cosmic Beast.¡±


    The hologram shifted, revealing a grotesque Cosmic Beast¡ªa giant fly with hundreds of writhing tentacles emerging from its multi-faceted eyes. It was followed by another¡ªa twisted half-lion, half-human form with decayed, leathery wings and a snarling, feral face. The room was filled with an uncomfortable silence as Professor Chen¡¯s voice echoed.


    ¡°These beings wield powers that defy logic: reality alteration, apparent immortality. They are impervious to conventional weaponry, regenerating faster than we can damage them. Only weapons created by the WEEB system¡ªspecifically designed for WAIFU use¡ªare effective against them, as they inhibit these creatures¡¯ regeneration abilities. Does anyone know why this is?¡± His gaze scanned the room and landed on a student slumped over his desk. ¡°Mister Orbeus?¡±


    Neil Orbeus, clearly mid-nap, hadn¡¯t even stirred at the sound of his name. His partner, Fei Xian, shifted in her seat, visibly panicking as she tried to nudge him awake. Beside me, I could sense Myrrh growing irritated, her brows knitting together in annoyance as Neil snored softly, oblivious to the entire class.


    With a swift, practiced motion, Myrrh stretched out her foot and kicked the leg of Neil¡¯s chair, sending a jolt through it that nearly toppled him. He snapped awake, his eyes wide as he glanced around, disoriented, while Professor Chen raised an eyebrow in expectation.


    ¡°Woah! Ah! I didn¡¯t eat the sour cream puffs!¡± Neil blurted out, shooting up from his seat, his eyes wide with panic.


    Professor Chen¡¯s unimpressed gaze settled on him. ¡°Mister Orbeus, are you listening to the lecture?¡±


    Neil froze, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. ¡°Ah, y-yes! Of course!¡±


    Professor Chen folded his arms. ¡°Then perhaps you can answer my question?¡±


    Beads of sweat began streaming down Neil¡¯s face, practically pouring off him as he scanned the room, desperate. His gaze landed on Fei, who, despite her loyalty, was equally lost¡ªhaving been half-asleep, probably daydreaming herself through the cosmic horrors on display.


    ¡°Zaft, help me out!¡± Neil hissed under his breath, barely concealing his panic. ¡°What was the question?¡±


    I sighed, glancing quickly at Professor Chen, who remained focused on Neil. Seated behind him, I was safely out of sight. Leaning forward, I whispered just loud enough for Neil to catch.


    ¡°What¡¯s the largest bird?¡± I whispered, unable to resist smirking as I watched Neil¡¯s face light up, oblivious to the trap I¡¯d set.


    Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Myrrh frowning, her blue eyes narrowing in an icy stare that seemed to say, Really?


    ¡°A-Ah, yes!¡± Neil finally said, his voice carrying through the room. ¡°The answer is an ostrich!¡±


    Professor Chen¡¯s face contorted, disbelief giving way to frustration. ¡°Wrong! What on earth kind of question are you answering?¡± he bellowed, his voice echoing off the walls. ¡°My question was ¡®Why are the weapons created by the Weaponry Enhancement Engineering Bios effective against Cosmic Beasts?¡¯ And the correct answer, Mister Orbeus, is that the weapons carry cybermystic codes specifically programmed to neutralize the regenerative properties of Cosmic Beasts!¡±


    Neil turned around and shot me a glare that could melt steel. ¡°You¡¯ll pay for this, Zaft!¡±


    I simply returned his look with a smug grin, knowing full well the chaos I¡¯d caused.


    Professor Chen wasn¡¯t done yet, though. ¡°Listen up, Mister Orbeus!¡± he barked. ¡°Since you seem so confident in your ¡®ostrich¡¯ answer, imagine that ostrich laying a nice, big egg¡ªbecause that¡¯s what you¡¯ll receive for your grade in this recitation!¡±


    The room erupted into muffled laughter, while Neil slumped into his chair, muttering something under his breath. Meanwhile, Myrrh gave me a final disapproving shake of her head, though I caught the faintest hint of a smirk before she looked away.

 Chapter 27 - Puppy Eyes

    Chapter 27 - Puppy Eyes


    ¡°You really are an asshole, Zaft.¡±


    Neil¡¯s voice echoed down the corridor, drawing the attention of passing students. I was walking beside him and his partner, Fei, while Myrrh strolled at my other side. Neil¡¯s loud statement made my cheeks heat slightly with embarrassment, especially with the curious glances we were getting. Now that classes had ended, we were headed to our group study session, but Neil¡¯s teasing seemed far from over.


    ¡°Huh. You¡¯ll get used to his crap, Neil.¡± Myrrh chimed in, rolling her eyes with a half-smile. ¡°Zaft just loves trolling people like some hyperactive kid with a new toy. So immature.¡±


    Fei forced a chuckle, her laughter light but slightly strained. ¡°It¡¯s mostly your fault, though, Neil. If you¡¯d stop dozing off in class, maybe you¡¯d be able to answer the professor¡¯s questions.¡±


    Neil scratched the back of his head, his face scrunched in a look of sheepish regret. ¡°Maybe, but I can¡¯t help it, Fei. I¡¯m so worn out from my part-time job that staying awake is a struggle these days.¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s eyes widened as she looked at Neil with surprise. ¡°You have a part-time job?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, why?¡± He tilted his head, a playful smirk appearing. ¡°Is it really that shocking for a regular college guy to have a job? I have to earn money somehow to keep up with all these tuition hikes.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm.¡± Myrrh crossed her arms, the movement causing her ample figure to shift as she studied Neil thoughtfully.


    Fei¡¯s eyes lit up as she spoke. ¡°Neil works at this ramen joint not too far from here! He makes the most amazing ramen¡ªthick noodles, rich broth, so many toppings¡­¡± She trailed off, blushing slightly, clearly proud of him.


    Myrrh grinned, her interest piqued. ¡°Do you mind if we check it out today?¡± She glanced at me with a mischievous glint in her eye. ¡°Zaft¡¯s treat, of course.¡±


    ¡°Hey!¡± I burst out, finally breaking my silence. I¡¯d been listening to their back-and-forth without saying a word, but the moment my name was tossed into the conversation, I knew it was time to step in. I could practically feel my wallet shudder at the thought of an impromptu dinner expense. ¡°I¡¯m not letting you raid my funds!¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Myrrh turned to me, feigning innocence with a tilt of her head. ¡°You owe Neil, remember? After trolling him in class earlier, it¡¯s only fair that you treat him to a meal, right?¡±


    I sighed, exasperated. ¡°Alright, fine, maybe Neil. But why does that mean the two of you should tag along?¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s eyes sparkled mischievously as she leaned in close, batting her eyelashes. ¡°Aww, wouldn¡¯t you treat cute girls like us?¡± She winked, puckering her lips and sending me a playful, exaggerated flying kiss like a teasing succubus. ¡°Pretty puhlease¡­¡±


    ¡°Shut up, you scammer!¡± I shot back, rolling my eyes. ¡°That charm of yours might work on me sometimes, but not today. Besides, you still owe me three dates¡ªon your dime!¡±


    ¡°Tsk.¡± Myrrh clicked her tongue, then nudged Fei with a sly grin. ¡°Alright, Plan B. Fei, time to bring out the big guns.¡±


    Fei tilted her head, confusion softening her expression. ¡°You mean¡­ right here? In the middle of the hallway?¡±


    ¡°Yes! Our free meal depends on it!¡± Myrrh urged, whispering like they were hatching some grand heist. ¡°Quick, use your cute face!¡±


    With an embarrassed smile, Fei dropped her gaze and bowed, covering her face with her hands. The bashful gesture was almost comically effective¡ªit was clear she knew exactly how adorable she looked, and even I had to admit, it was hard to resist.


    ¡°Whatever dirty tricks you¡¯re cooking up, it won¡¯t work on me,¡± I said, leveling a cold glare at the pair of them.


    Fei Xian slowly lowered her hands, unveiling her face with a deliberate, dramatic flair. Her golden-brown eyes shimmered, catching the light as she looked up at me with the most devastatingly cute, wide-eyed stare¡ªlike a puppy that had been left in the rain. ¡°Aww¡­ Pwetty Pweaaaaase?¡± she murmured, her voice soft and pleading, almost like a little song. A faint blush painted her cheeks, making her look like the very definition of ¡°adorable.¡± She took my hand, her touch gentle and warm, like she was sharing her soft-hearted charm directly with me.


    She seemed to glow, radiating a light that felt almost divine, like an angel stepping out of heaven itself to charm a poor mortal like me. It was so bright, so pure, that it practically blinded me¡ªa flash of light that left me reeling, like I¡¯d been hit with an emotional flashbang.


    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    ¡°She¡¯s too bright!¡± I exclaimed, shielding my eyes with my free hand as if warding off her overwhelming aura. ¡°I¡¯m not going to survive this!¡±


    Myrrh crossed her arms, smirking with a look of triumph. ¡°Just look at her,¡± she said, gesturing at Fei like a proud coach. ¡°How could you possibly say no to an abandoned puppy like this?¡±


    ¡°God fucking damn it,¡± I muttered, resigned to my fate. "Fine!"


    And just like that, my destiny was sealed. Myrrh clapped her hands. ¡°Sponsor secured! Onward to the ramen shop!¡± She led the way with a spring in her step, her victory fully claimed.


    <><><>


    The ramen shop where Neil worked was just a few blocks away, nestled under a neon sign that buzzed softly in the early evening glow. The streets were quiet, the usual hustle of this cyberpunk city dimmed at this hour, making it an ideal time to settle in. Inside, only three or four other patrons sat hunched over their bowls, the comforting hum of low conversation mingling with the scent of miso and simmering broth. Neil greeted the shop owner and his co-worker, who gave him a tired but friendly nod as he covered Neil¡¯s shift for the evening.


    After about ten minutes, our bowls arrived. Though this was a ramen shop, we all ended up with bowls of thick, steaming udon, which Neil insisted was their specialty. He told us it was especially popular with late-night barhoppers, looking for a hearty, starchy meal to sober up. As I took in the aroma, the rich, umami scent made my stomach growl, and we dug in, savoring the satisfying chew of the noodles and the subtle notes of soy and green onion in the broth.


    I glanced at Myrrh, who was delicately tucking a strand of her lime-green hair behind her ear, exposing a sliver of her neck. Her focus and grace as she took each sip stirred something primal in me, and I quickly shifted my gaze. When she glanced up and caught me looking, I seized the moment to ask what had been on my mind.


    ¡°So¡­ why¡¯d you pick this ramen shop as our study venue?¡± I asked, trying to sound casual. ¡°Doesn¡¯t seem like you¡¯re the ramen-lover type.¡±


    She laughed lightly, a mischievous glint in her eye. ¡°Honestly, I was curious about Neil¡¯s part-time job. I thought I might check it out and maybe even consider getting a job myself. But seeing this place¡­ well, there¡¯s no way I¡¯d work in a hot kitchen. Do you know what heat does to hair?¡± She playfully twirled the tips of her vibrant hair, emphasizing her point. ¡°A girl¡¯s gotta avoid split ends at all costs.¡±


    ¡°Figures,¡± I replied with a smirk. ¡°Just admit it¡ªyou don¡¯t know how to cook, do you? Why not just stick to cup ramen? It¡¯s foolproof: hot water, three minutes, and voil¨¤.¡±


    ¡°Wow. Rude,¡± she huffed, pressing a hand to her chest as if genuinely offended. ¡°For your information, I do know how to cook. A proper lady knows her way around the kitchen!¡±


    ¡°Oh wow, Myrrh, you know how to cook?¡± Fei Xian chimed in, her eyes bright with curiosity. ¡°You¡¯ll have to teach me! What dishes are you a master of?¡±


    ¡°Mostly barbecue,¡± Myrrh replied, crossing her arms with a smug grin. ¡°Pork barbecue, chicken barbecue, beef barbecue, squid barbecue, lamb barbecue¡ªyou name it, I can grill it.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help myself and let out a snicker, trying hard not to burst into full-blown laughter. ¡°You¡­ you call that cooking?¡± I asked, barely holding back.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with barbecue?¡± she shot back, her lips forming an indignant pout. ¡°That¡¯s not all, you know. I can make a mean salad too!¡±


    ¡°Oh, so impressive,¡± I said with a smirk. ¡°Just one question¡ªare you actually supposed to cook salad?¡±


    I glanced up briefly and saw both Fei Xian and Neil watching me, each giving me a warning look that said: Don¡¯t start. They knew full well that if I kept this up, Myrrh and I would end up in one of our classic banter spirals, totally derailing any chance of a study session. There''s even a fair chance of raining morphers straight to my face. I sighed, throwing up my hands as I leaned back in my seat.


    ¡°N-No, never mind,¡± I said, shrugging. ¡°I¡¯ll save it for another time.¡±


    Myrrh flicked her hair, giving me a satisfied look. ¡°See? Even you can act like a decent person if you manage to keep that mouth shut.¡±


    ¡°A-anyway!¡± Neil clapped his hands together, attempting to steer the conversation in a safer direction. ¡°So, Myrrh, what kind of part-time job are you looking for? I get that a classy lady like you wouldn¡¯t survive long in a ramen shop kitchen.¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s expression shifted as she pulled out her phone, her voice turning a little more serious. ¡°Actually, I¡¯ve been considering applying for that internship with the investigations bureau,¡± she said, showing Neil and Fei a flashy digital ad for the Licensure Examinations Tournament¡ªthe same one that Agent Feena had shown us. ¡°They offer an allowance and even a scholarship if you pass, but you¡¯ll have to ace both written and practical exams.¡±


    Neil¡¯s eyebrows raised as he leaned in to get a closer look at the ad. ¡°Wow, that¡¯s impressive. Sounds intense, but it could be a great opportunity.¡±


    Fei Xian nodded, her face lighting up with admiration. ¡°That¡¯s a really good plan, Myrrh. You¡¯d be amazing in a place like that!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty interested in that license,¡± Neil said, glancing over at me with a spark of excitement. ¡°If we get it, there¡¯s a chance we could be chosen for the Vanguard, right?¡±


    I just shrugged, trying to seem nonchalant, but honestly, I wasn¡¯t sure of the answer.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to give it a shot too, Neil!¡± Fei Xian chimed in, her usual shyness momentarily replaced by determination. ¡°I¡¯m pretty clumsy¡ªso clumsy that most jobs would probably fire me after day one¡ªbut I think this could work. If I¡¯m good at anything, it¡¯s breaking stuff, hahaha!¡±


    Myrrh gave her an encouraging smile. ¡°Don¡¯t put yourself down, Fei! You both aced advanced calculus, and you came in second in the last Weapon Basics Test. I¡¯m sure you two have what it takes to get that license.¡±


    ¡°Finally!¡± Neil flexed his arms in an exaggerated display of confidence, his face lighting up. ¡°Once I get my license, I¡¯ll quit this nightmare of a job for good!¡±


    There was a sudden silence, and we all looked over to see the shop owner and the other workers glancing our way, their faces a mix of irritation and thinly-veiled amusement. Neil blinked, realizing the damage his words had done. He turned back to us, eyes wide, as if only now understanding he might not need to quit¡ªthere was a good chance he¡¯d be out of a job by the end of the night.


    I stifled a laugh. ¡°Looks like they heard you loud and clear, Neil. Better start studying for that license¡­ you might need it sooner than you think.¡±

 Chapter 28 - Blade Wing

    Chapter 28 - Blade Wing


    Professor Bao''s classes were always held in the simulation room, and today was no exception. The room buzzed with an electric hum, its walls lined with sleek panels that glowed faintly under the harsh white lights above. Every time we met for the Tutorial Subject, there was something fresh, some new revelation about Weaponry Enhancement Engineering Bios. I felt a jolt of excitement as I wondered what kind of weapon we''d get to handle at Level 5.


    "Good morning, students. Today is Monday, which means you''ll be advancing to Level 5 clearance," Professor Bao announced, her voice calm but carrying a note of anticipation that piqued everyone''s interest. "However, Level 5 is different. In fact, it''s the most unique level among all the others. And because of that, there will be no tutorial tests today."


    A collective sigh swept through the room, breaking the usual silence. Tests, both written and practical, had become our constant companions, especially on Mondays, and not all students were happy about it. The tension that built with each test was palpable¡ªespecially for those who dreaded another chance to flunk.


    For Myrrh and me, however, these tests were a tightrope act. We had to hit the top scores in every practical exam, partly to keep up her scholarship and partly to balance out our struggles in advanced calculus, where a recent pop quiz had nearly tripped us up. The prospect of an exam-free Monday felt like a gift, a reprieve in our rigorous schedule.


    I glanced at Myrrh beside me, catching the subtle way she clutched her chest and let out a quiet sigh. Then she flashed a small smile my way¡ªprideful, yes, but unexpectedly softened by relief. At moments like this, her usual confidence gave way to something more vulnerable, more... human.


    "The reason for the no-test policy today," Professor Bao continued, as she tapped her tablet, her fingers flying across the screen, "is that Level 5 grants you access to a new weapon¡ªthe Ultimate. Unlike the previous enhancements, the Ultimate has no fixed form. Instead, its nature shifts, adapting to each WAIFU''s innate abilities."


    The professor''s words hung in the air, stirring a wave of murmurs among the students. My gaze lingered on the professor''s tablet, where diagrams flashed in rapid succession, hinting at the powerful technology we were about to encounter.


    Suddenly, a sharp beep echoed from every WEEB device, breaking the silence. A series of holographic messages appeared, pulsing with a faint blue glow in front of each of us:


    [Clearance Level Up!]


    [New Weapon Unlocked]


    [Level 5 - Ultimate]


    Professor Bao''s voice cut through the murmurs of excitement. "Now, all WAIFUs, proceed to the red line and assume your Frame Unit forms."


    The WAIFUs moved with a smooth, mechanical precision, each stepping in sync to the crimson line that stretched across the simulation room floor. One by one, they raised their morphers high, metal glinting under the stark lights.


    "Frame Unit, Awaken!" they called out in unison. In an instant, pillars of radiant light erupted around them, blazing up like neon columns reaching toward the ceiling. The room was filled with a hum of power as their silhouettes grew, metal plating forming around them, gears locking into place. When the light faded, they stood transformed, towering in their massive robotic forms, eyes gleaming with an intense, almost otherworldly light that commanded the room''s awe.


    Just as we were absorbing the sight, a new alert flashed across the WEEB screens, interrupting the Level 5 display:


    [Level 5 - Blade Wing]


    Professor Bao continued, her voice steady and commanding. "These Ultimates adapt based on your linked WAIFU partners. This means that after midterms, when the pairings are reshuffled, each Ultimate will change. These weapons are unique, granted only to specific WAIFUs and tailored to enhance their individual strengths." She gestured toward the WAIFUs lined up along the red line. "Now, support units, equip your partners with their Ultimates."


    Without hesitation, we support unit students pressed the glowing [Level 5] option on our WEEB devices. My left arm immediately lit up, circuit patterns flaring into existence, tracing lines of blue energy up my forearm. I pointed my arm toward Myrrh, feeling a surge of power as I called out, "Blade Wing, Equip!"


    A shimmer of white light enveloped Myrrh''s massive robotic form, pulsing as her body responded to the command. In an instant, wings of pure steel materialized on her back, each wing composed of five gleaming swords, their edges as sharp as a honed blade. The swords emitted a golden aura, particles drifting off like embers from a fire, casting a warm glow that filled the room.


    Myrrh''s eyes widened as she took in her new weapon, her awe clear even through her mechanical frame. "Wait... is this... mother''s?" she murmured, her voice almost lost in the hum of the Blade Wing''s energy.


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    "What is it, Myrrh?" I asked, watching her reaction with curiosity.


    Slowly, Myrrh raised her new wings, the swords shifting with a smooth, fluid motion as if they were part of her very body. She tested their weight, flapping them gently, almost like a fledgling testing its wings for the first time. "Blade Wing was my mother''s Ultimate," she explained, her voice tinged with a mixture of wonder and nostalgia. "But her wings... they were green, not white."


    Intrigued, I asked, "What does that Ultimate do?"


    "If I remember right, I should be able to do... this," Myrrh murmured, concentrating as she spread her sword wings wide. Golden particles shimmered around her like stardust, and slowly, she began to lift off the ground, rising smoothly as though propelled by an invisible force. Her wings flared, keeping her steady in the air, and in a graceful arc, she launched into a series of acrobatic maneuvers, twisting and spinning as if in a dance, her sword wings glinting with each turn.


    I watched, impressed but curious. "Isn''t that a little redundant? I mean, we already have the jetpack at Level 4."


    She gave a small, defiant smile mid-air. "The handling''s way better. Sure, it''s slower, but it''s a lot more precise." As if to prove her point, she suddenly dove downward, her wings trailing streams of golden light that crackled like charged particles. Just before she hit the ground, she pulled up sharply, her wings slicing along the floor and leaving a clean, gleaming line behind her.


    "These blade wings... they''re like dual-purpose weapons," I marveled, realizing the power she held in her hands.


    Myrrh landed gracefully, her boots clanking softly against the ground. With a smooth motion, hilts emerged from her sword wings, and she reached over, drawing two gleaming blades free. Standing tall in her mech form, Myrrh now held a sword in each hand, the polished metal gleaming under the overhead lights.


    It was breathtaking¡ªshe looked like a warrior from a legend, a robot ready to take on the world with unmatched grace and power. I felt a strange thrill, an admiration that made my heart race. Somehow, I''d fallen in love all over again¡ªwith a robot, no less. It wasn''t physical, but there was something undeniably magnetic in her strength and confidence.


    I glanced around the simulation room, taking in the unique array of Ultimates that had transformed our partners. Some mechs had spawned dragon heads on their right arms, their jaws occasionally opening to reveal a fiery glow. Others now wielded massive cannons, their barrels humming with barely contained energy. A few had even transformed into towering cargo trucks, heavy-duty and built for raw power. Each Ultimate was as distinctive as Professor Bao had promised, every one of them a marvel of engineering.


    And yet, with Myrrh standing in front of me, dual-wielding those elegant, deadly swords, none of them quite matched the awe I felt in that moment.


    I turned my attention to Fei Xian''s Frame Unit, now radiating a massive rainbow-hued energy halo behind her. Her hands glowed with a fierce orange light, and as she pressed them to the ground, a thin mist of smoke rose where her fingers met the metal floor. When she lifted her hands, the imprint of her robot''s fingers was scorched into the earth¡ªa mark of sheer power.


    "That''s incredible, Fei Xian!" her partner Neil exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with pride. "How does it feel?"


    Fei Xian gave an experimental bounce, her mechanical form moving with surprising agility. She shifted into a boxing stance, her fists punching the air in controlled, quick bursts. "I feel so much lighter!" she said with excitement, a smile audible in her voice. "And my fists... they''re faster than ever. I think... I think I''m a boxer now!"


    "Cool!" Neil laughed, clearly thrilled. He looked over at Myrrh, who was practicing fluid sword slashes, her giant blades cutting through the air in graceful arcs. "That one''s pretty epic, too. What''s it called?" he asked, glancing over at me.


    "Blade Wing," I replied, admiring the precision and power Myrrh wielded. "But what about Fei''s? It doesn''t look like a traditional weapon¡ªmore like an enhancement."


    Neil beamed, clenching his fists in solidarity. "It''s called Divine Fists," he said proudly. "With this, I''m confident we''re gonna dominate the upcoming tournament and finally earn those licenses!"


    Just then, Professor Bao strode purposefully across the room, passing right between Neil and me. Our eyes followed her as she stopped a few steps away, in front of our short, ginger-haired friend Remuel.


    Remuel was fixated on his hologram screen, eyes narrowed in deep thought, yet he hadn''t pressed a single option. His WAIFU partner, Cindy, stood beside him, her eyes filled with a mix of impatience and concern. Her robotic stance seemed tense, her gaze sharp as she watched him, waiting for a sign that he''d finally make a decision.


    Something about their silent exchange made me pause.


    "Mister Remuel Parsley." Professor Bao''s voice rang out, sharp and commanding, pulling his attention.


    "Y-yes, Professor?" Remuel stammered, a forced smile on his face. Beads of sweat glistened on his brow, and his knees were visibly shaking as if they could give way at any moment.


    Professor Bao fixed him with a stern gaze, one hand resting on her hip. "Why haven''t you activated your WAIFU''s Ultimate yet?"


    Remuel''s smile wavered, his eyes darting to Cindy and back. "W-well, because... I can''t," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.


    Cindy''s mechanical voice cut through the silence, her tone both irritated and impatient. "What''s the hold-up, Remmy? Come on! I want to see my Ultimate already!" Her robotic frame bristled, clearly eager for action.


    "A-are you sure you want me to activate it?" Remuel stammered, voice trembling. "Don''t blame me if something happens..."


    Cindy let out an exasperated mechanical sigh. "I will blame you if we fail this course, even though it''s not a test!" Her eyes gleamed, urging him on.


    Professor Bao''s gaze narrowed. "Mister Parsley, activate it. Now."


    With a resigned sigh, Remuel nodded. "Okay then..." He raised a shaky hand to his hologram screen, eyes widening as he tapped the Ultimate option. His left arm glowed, circuitry lighting up in bright patterns as he shouted, "Self Destruct, Activate!"


    "The¡ªwhat?!" we all exclaimed, our jaws dropping in collective shock.


    In an instant, Cindy''s green Frame Unit flared with a blinding light, and, before any of us could react, there was a deafening boom as she exploded in a flash of energy and smoke, fragments flying across the room.

 Chapter 29 - Cooking Noodles

    Chapter 29 - Cooking Noodles


    The good news was that no one was hurt; we¡¯d all walked away unscathed from the explosion. The bad news, however, was that Cindy and her partner Remuel were now stuck with the punishment of cleaning the simulation room after class¡ªa job that looked as exhausting as it sounded. Myrrh, being Cindy¡¯s friend, volunteered to help. Fei and Neil jumped in as well, and with a bit of peer pressure, I found myself pulled into the fray, thanks to Fei''s puppy-eyed begging.


    Metal shrapnel littered the wide, scuffed floor of the simulation room, each piece glinting under the fluorescent lights. We moved slowly, bending and picking up the jagged pieces scattered across the expanse. Once the floor was clear, we took to scrubbing away the faint trails of soot and grime that had splattered onto the walls. My thoughts wandered as I cleaned, wondering why the room¡ªa place capable of simulating entire cityscapes and conjuring training dummies that could shoot paintballs¡ªcouldn¡¯t at least auto-clean itself.


    ¡°Huhu, I¡¯m really sorry, girls. You all got dragged into this because of my partner,¡± Cindy said with a sniffle, brushing her reddish-orange afro away from her eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Cindy. We¡¯re friends,¡± Fei replied, her own black afro bouncing as she nodded with a smile.


    Myrrh placed her hands on her hips, giving Remuel a sharp look. ¡°Besides, it¡¯s not your fault. It¡¯s your partner¡¯s.¡±


    Remuel, whose ash-red afro was streaked with charcoal dust, lowered his gaze and mumbled, ¡°I¡ªI¡¯m sorry.¡± He bowed, looking thoroughly defeated.


    Remuel had definitely gotten the worst of it. Professor Bao had scolded him for what felt like ages, and Cindy hadn¡¯t let up on him either. He hadn¡¯t told anyone that Cindy¡¯s Ultimate ability was essentially a self-destruct button¡ªa fact he chose to keep to himself until the last second. Things might have been different, maybe even avoidable, if he¡¯d only said something sooner.


    All of us were sporting afros now¡ªa quirky, unplanned effect of standing too close to the blast radius. Even Professor Bao had been strutting around with an afro earlier, though she¡¯d already left, likely brushing down her hair with a sigh.


    I¡¯d just finished mopping up the last dusty patch on the floor when I overheard the others talking.


    ¡°Man, now there¡¯s no way I¡¯ll make it to the Licensure Examinations Tournament,¡± Cindy lamented, her voice tinged with frustration. She ran her fingers through her reddish-orange curls, sighing. ¡°How can I compete when my Ultimate ability is literally a self-detonating bomb?¡±


    ¡°Oh! So you were planning to join the tournament too?¡± Fei¡¯s eyes brightened as she clasped her hands together, her black afro bouncing. ¡°Myrrh and I are both in!¡±


    ¡°Well, best of luck to you two,¡± Cindy said with a warm smile, though her shoulders slumped a little. ¡°What about your partners? You need support unit students, right?¡±


    Myrrh placed a hand on her hip and glanced at Cindy with a hint of confidence. ¡°Isn¡¯t it a bit early to choose our partners for the tournament?¡± She pulled out her phone, which displayed the tournament¡¯s official memo. ¡°According to the rules here, the tournament is split into two parts. First, there¡¯s the written exam. Only the top one hundred WAIFUs and support students move on to the second round. That¡¯s when we get to pick partners from the elite hundred.¡±


    ¡°Ah, so there¡¯s quite a tough screening process, huh?¡± Fei remarked, her brow furrowing. ¡°But what happens if a WAIFU or support unit can¡¯t find a partner?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll be random pairings,¡± Cindy explained, recalling the first-day chaos with a sigh. ¡°Just like when we first got here.¡±


    Fei¡¯s cheeks reddened slightly as she clasped her hands together. ¡°B-but, I¡¯m going to choose Neil as my partner,¡± she said with an innocent smile. ¡°I feel safe with Neil by my side.¡±


    Neil¡¯s eyes lit up, and he took Fei¡¯s hands gently, his gaze softening. ¡°Thank you, Fei,¡± he murmured, clearly touched.


    Myrrh chuckled, crossing her arms. ¡°Provided he passes the written exams first.¡±


    At this, Neil¡¯s face fell, as if he¡¯d taken an invisible blow to the stomach. ¡°Ack!¡± he cried, straightening up with renewed determination. ¡°I-I¡¯ll do my best to pass, so Fei and I can team up!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the spirit!¡± Fei cheered, pumping her fists with a grin.


    Suddenly, Myrrh turned toward me, her blue eyes gleaming with a mysterious, almost mischievous sparkle. I wasn¡¯t sure what she had in mind, but her gaze held me in place, making me feel as if she was sizing me up for something.


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    Just then, I felt a nudge at my side. Little Remuel, elbowing my stomach gently, looked up at me. ¡°Hey, Zaft,¡± he asked, with a touch of curiosity in his voice. ¡°Are you planning on joining the tournament?¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡± I hesitated, crossing my arms and staring at the polished floor. ¡°I haven¡¯t really thought about it. But the way things stand, I doubt I will. We¡¯d be up against second- and third-years too, right? Feels like an uphill battle for us freshmen.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve got a point.¡± Remuel forced a smile, scratching the back of his head. ¡°Now I¡¯m getting nervous too. We¡¯re only at Level 5; I heard sophomores can hit up to Level 20. And juniors? They¡¯re capped at Level 30.¡± He let out a small laugh, though there was no joy in it. ¡°Maybe¡­ maybe I¡¯ll just watch this year and give it a shot next time.¡±


    Great. Now I¡¯d dragged Remuel into my doubts and discouraged him from even trying. It wasn¡¯t like I¡¯d convince Fei, Neil, or Myrrh to give up their goals, though. They each had their reasons for wanting to compete, especially Myrrh.


    Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her. Myrrh¡¯s expression had clouded over, her usual spark dimmed into something more serious, even troubled. I wondered what thoughts were going through her mind. But just as quickly, her mask slipped back into place, and she gave a bright smile as Fei and Cindy chatted beside her.


    It left me wondering. Maybe the tournament was more than just a test for her. Something personal. Something she wasn¡¯t ready to share with the rest of us.


    <><><>


    I lay sprawled across my bed, the dim light of my room casting soft shadows on the walls. My cup noodles sat on the desk, steam curling lazily as I waited for them to cook. To pass the time, I scrolled mindlessly through my phone, watching video after video¡ªuseless content, really, but exactly the kind of stuff that helped my brain switch off after a long day.


    Suddenly, my messenger app chimed, pulling me back to reality. I opened it up to see Neil¡¯s name flashing.


    Neil: Here¡¯s the link for the ramen shop application. Since I got fired last week, they need a new hand at the restaurant.


    Me: Thanks. Can¡¯t believe they really fired you over what you said last time.


    Neil: Doesn¡¯t bother me. The place was toxic anyway. Are you sure you¡¯re up for working there, though? It¡¯s night shifts, which might mess with your studying. Myrrh might even scold you if you start slacking.


    Me: Myrrh has nothing to do with my job choices. Everything will be fine.


    Neil¡¯s reply took a moment, and I could imagine him hesitating, always trying to nudge me in a different direction.


    Neil: But¡­ why won¡¯t you just join the examination tournament instead? Internships with the Vanguard or the investigations bureau come with allowances¡ªprobably five times more than you¡¯d make in that sweaty restaurant.


    Me: I don¡¯t want to.


    A pause. Then, as if he couldn¡¯t help himself:


    Neil: Myrrh¡¯s really excited to join. She might miss having you there with her.


    I stared at his message for a moment, my fingers hovering over the keyboard before I finally typed my response.


    Me: Okay. I don¡¯t care.


    I shut my phone screen off with a sigh, tossing it beside me on the bed. The room grew quiet again, but Neil¡¯s words lingered. Part of me wondered if he was right, if Myrrh would care that I wasn¡¯t there. But I pushed the thought aside, focusing on the gentle waft of steam from my noodles. Some choices had to be made alone.


    I set my phone down, resisting the urge to reply. Another message beeped in from Neil, but I ignored it, feeling the weight of our conversation hanging over me. With a sigh, I moved to my study desk and lifted the cup of ramen, now perfectly steeped after six minutes.


    As I took the first bite, a thought hit me like a bolt of lightning.


    ¡°Oh, right. I should probably let my parents know I¡¯m taking on a part-time job,¡± I muttered.


    I picked up my phone again, quickly dialing my mom¡¯s number and switching to loudspeaker so I could still eat my noodles. After a few rings, her familiar voice filled the quiet room.


    "Zaft."


    ¡°Hey, Mom,¡± I began. ¡°Uh, I just wanted to tell you I¡¯m going to start working part-time.¡±


    The line went silent for a beat. Then, her voice shot back with that sharp tone I¡¯d almost expected.


    ¡°Zaft Callahan, what the hell are you thinking? Are you gambling again? Playing at the casino is not a job!¡±


    I winced. One sentence, and already I was on the receiving end of a lecture. ¡°N-no, Mom, it¡¯s a real job. Nothing shady, no gambling, I swear.¡± I took a steadying breath. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ cooking.¡±


    ¡°Cooking what? Don''t tell me it''s meth! Are you a drug dealer now?¡±


    I nearly choked on my noodles, coughing to clear my throat. ¡°Of course not! What would even make you think that?¡±


    She sighed loudly, the disappointment almost tangible over the line. ¡°Are you disrespecting us, Zaft? We¡¯re working ourselves to the bone to keep you enrolled on that planet! Aren¡¯t the allowances your father and I send enough?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ enough,¡± I mumbled, but the words came out small, fragile against her accusations. ¡°B-but I¡ª¡±


    ¡°Then focus on your studies! Don¡¯t do anything reckless that you¡¯ll regret,¡± she snapped before hanging up with a hard click.


    The silence that followed was heavy, pressing down on me. I set the cup of ramen aside, the noodles no longer as comforting as they¡¯d seemed.


    I sighed, leaning back in my chair. My parents had a point. They¡¯d given me the chance to study without needing to work, and I should be grateful for that. Maybe they were right; I¡¯d have more freedom to focus on my studies, maybe even enjoy some actual downtime instead of juggling a job.


    Now that I thought about it, the internship seemed like a solid choice. It wasn¡¯t just relevant to our studies¡ªbeing combat training and all¡ªbut with the recent Cosmic Beast attacks, it was clear the government of Xyraxis needed as many combat-ready WAIFUs and support units as they could muster. And, honestly, if I had to do something for extra cash, I might as well make it something that connected back to my future.


    As I finished the last bite of my cup noodles, my phone beeped, lighting up with a new message. I glanced at the screen and nearly choked at the sender¡¯s name. It was Myrrh.


    Myrrh: Hey, are you free this Saturday? Let¡¯s have our first date as payment for my debt.

 Chapter 30 - Sure of You

    Chapter 30 - Sure of You


    It was a bright and calming Saturday morning, the kind where sunlight poured gently through the leaves, painting the streets with dappled light and a promise of ease. I woke up far too early today, forgetting that I didn¡¯t have any classes, and the lingering fog of sleep still clung to me.


    Groggy and slightly disoriented, I drifted on autopilot to the upscale coffee shop I¡¯d discovered on my very first day here. It had become something of a weekend ritual, though today held a different anticipation.


    I ordered a cappuccino, the aroma of roasted beans lifting my spirits as I took a slow sip, feeling the warmth and slight bitterness sharpen my senses. To kill time, I idly scrolled through videos on my phone, letting the soft clinks of cups and low hum of chatter fill the space around me.


    Today was the day I¡¯d meet Myrrh for our very first ¡°Friendly Date.¡± Of course, there was a certain irony to it: technically, we weren¡¯t friends, and this wasn¡¯t really a date. My high school friends would be relentless if they knew I was here with Myrrh of all people. But, no strings attached, as we agreed. For me, it was partly the thrill¡ªand partly the promise of Myrrh picking up the tab for all our ¡°dates¡± from here on out.


    I was just about to return to my scrolling when a shadow appeared at the glass door beside me, drawing my attention. There stood a striking figure: a woman with an hourglass silhouette, her presence bold and impossible to ignore.


    Myrrh. Her long, lime-green hair was swept up into a ponytail and fastened with black ribbons, the color so vibrant it seemed to shimmer in the light. She wore a frilly green dress that hugged her frame, accentuating the curves of her shoulders and waist. Against the backdrop of the caf¨¦¡¯s muted tones, she looked like some ethereal, vibrant vision¡ªthough, amusingly enough, the thought flitted through my mind that she resembled a particularly alluring cabbage.


    She studied her reflection in the glass with a serious expression, smoothing her bangs and running her fingers through her ponytail with a delicate touch. Something about the way she fussed over her hair was endearing; I felt a pang of admiration, a spark of warmth.


    But the moment was cut short when she suddenly noticed me just on the other side of the glass. Her blue eyes went wide, and in an instant, her cheeks flushed a vivid shade of pink. Her mouth dropped open in surprise, though no words came. I couldn¡¯t help but smile, watching her caught in the act of adjusting herself, her usually composed demeanor slipping away, if only for a second.


    I immediately slipped into my well-practiced poker face, an expression of calm indifference settling over me. Taking a long sip of my coffee, I fought to keep my reaction in check even as the searing heat stung my tongue. I forced myself not to wince, determined to play it cool.


    Myrrh hurried into the caf¨¦, her footsteps quick and a bit flustered, before taking a seat directly across from me. Even now, a faint pink lingered on her cheeks, her earlier embarrassment evident. Her gaze hardened as she looked at me, a hint of annoyance lacing her voice.


    ¡°Spying on a lady while she fixes her hair is downright creepy,¡± she grumbled, crossing her arms.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t see anything,¡± I replied coolly, taking another casual sip from my too-hot coffee, hoping my casual tone would add weight to the lie.


    She glanced around, visibly relieved to find only a handful of other customers scattered across the cozy caf¨¦. The atmosphere was quiet and serene, a slow-paced Saturday morning scene¡ªbut Myrrh¡¯s embarrassment pulsed in the air between us, making it hard not to smirk. That flustered expression, that fleeting vulnerability, would be etched in my memory, no matter how coolly I played it off now.


    Calling the waitress over, Myrrh ordered her coffee, then picked up her cup, stirring in a measured spoonful of sugar. The silence between us settled, thick and expectant, until she finally broke it.


    ¡°I heard from Neil that you wanted to take his job at the ramen shop,¡± she said in a breezy, almost indifferent tone, though her eyes were watching me closely as she mixed her coffee with slow, practiced movements. ¡°When are you starting?¡±


    I forced a grin, the irony of it all settling in. ¡°Unfortunately, my parents are dead set against me working a part-time job,¡± I replied, giving a small, resigned shrug. ¡°They think I should ¡®focus on my studies,¡¯ so... no ramen cooking for me.¡±


    I watched her for a reaction, feeling the weight of her gaze. She didn¡¯t say anything immediately, but her expression softened, maybe just a little. We both knew I didn¡¯t want to be here under someone else¡¯s thumb, bound to rules and expectations¡ªbut here I was.


    ¡°That¡¯s actually a relief,¡± Myrrh replied with a smirk, her gaze steady and unapologetic. ¡°I can¡¯t have you slacking off like Neil. My scholarship¡¯s on the line here, you know. If you fail, I fail.¡± She raised her coffee cup in mock toast. ¡°Kudos to your parents for keeping you on track.¡±


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    ¡°Ha-ha, you selfish woman,¡± I shot back, unable to hold back a grin. ¡°I just wanted to make some extra cash¡­ for my hobbies.¡±


    She raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eye. ¡°And what would you be doing with that part-time money? Gambling, maybe?¡±


    I frowned, feeling my cheeks flush. ¡°Why does everyone think that? What makes you assume my hobby is gambling? Do you and my parents exchange notes or something?¡±


    ¡°Maybe we just know you too well,¡± Myrrh said, flashing a smug smile. With a graceful flick of her hand, she tucked a strand of lime-green hair behind her ear, then casually cut into a stack of pancakes. She lifted a forkful to her mouth, her movements deliberate and elegant, savoring each bite. ¡°Mmm,¡± she murmured in approval, taking a sip of her cappuccino afterward. ¡°The coffee pairs perfectly with pancakes soaked in maple syrup.¡±


    I sighed, leaning back as she enjoyed her meal, her teasing making it clear that sharing my true plans would only lead to more judgment. My parents, Myrrh, everyone seemed convinced they knew my every thought. But I kept my dreams close¡ªsaving for a cyberpunk gaming PC, a vision of neon lights and endless gaming hours in my mind. On Earth, I¡¯d seen endless ads for those, and here on Xyraxis, they were cheaper thanks to the planet¡¯s abundance of microchips and minerals. Still, if Myrrh or my parents got wind of that goal, I¡¯d be in for a lecture on ¡°priorities¡± that would last a lifetime.


    Trying to shift the focus, I turned the question back to her. ¡°So, how¡¯s the licensure examination tournament application coming along?¡±


    Myrrh glanced up, wiping her mouth with a napkin before replying. ¡°Fei and I grabbed the application papers yesterday. Those two lovebirds filled out their forms as well,¡± she said with a slight roll of her eyes. ¡°I finished mine too, and we¡¯re all set to submit everything by Monday.¡±


    Her expression softened a bit as she mentioned her plans, and I could sense the excitement beneath her composed exterior. She wasn¡¯t one to show it openly, but this tournament was a big deal for her.


    ¡°Oh, okay,¡± I said, trying to mask my own curiosity as I sipped my coffee. A stretch of silence settled between us, thick and awkward. I shifted in my seat, glancing up only to catch Myrrh¡¯s piercing gaze. Her azure eyes locked onto mine, studying me intently, as if trying to pull the truth from my thoughts without a word.


    ¡°So, I guess you¡¯re not applying for the tournament,¡± she finally said, her tone casual but her eyes probing.


    I couldn¡¯t resist a smirk. ¡°Oh, what, are you waiting for me to suddenly announce that I¡¯m dying to join?¡± I teased, leaning in just a little to watch her reaction. ¡°Or maybe you¡¯re hoping I¡¯ll beg¡ªsomething like, ¡®Oh, please, Myrrh Alicent, let me be your partner for the upcoming tournament!¡¯¡±


    She quickly turned away, a faint blush rising in her cheeks, and crossed her arms with a small, indignant pout. ¡°Not really,¡± she muttered, her voice barely hiding the sting of pride. ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure I¡¯ll be just fine in the tournament, no matter who my partner is.¡±


    ¡°Are you, though?¡± I pressed, giving her a smug, knowing grin before taking another casual sip of my coffee.


    ¡°Yeah, totally,¡± she insisted, though her voice sounded shakier than before. ¡°Besides, you don¡¯t need the scholarship from that internship with Agent Feena anyway.¡±


    ¡°Oh, really sure?¡± I repeated, leaning back, letting my question hang in the air.


    Her cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red, and she shot me a glare, her lips pressing into a tight line as though she was holding something back. Her eyes flickered with emotion¡ªsomething between frustration and hurt, a tremble at the corners of her mouth giving her away. Her gaze grew glassy, as if she were close to breaking, and for a moment, I almost regretted pushing her.


    But this was Myrrh, proud and stubborn, and for whatever reason, she wanted me to be her partner.


    ¡°Fine then! I¡¯ll swallow my pride just this once!¡± Myrrh burst out, her voice trembling with frustration. She clenched her fists, her blush deepening as she forced herself to meet my gaze. ¡°I want you to apply for the licensure exams too. I want you to be my partner in the tournament,¡± she admitted, her words spilling out in a rare moment of vulnerability. ¡°I even asked Neil to help convince you to join, but you act like you don¡¯t care at all. What¡¯s in it for you anyway? It¡¯s not like you need the license or the scholarship.¡± Her voice softened, her confidence waning. ¡°But¡­ I¡¯d still really prefer if you join us.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but smirk, leaning in as I delivered my jab. ¡°See? Wouldn¡¯t it kill you to just not act like a total tsundere once in a while?¡±


    ¡°Shut up, goon,¡± she huffed, her cheeks puffing out in irritation as she looked away, only to shyly glance back at me a moment later. She swallowed hard, her voice softening. ¡°S-so¡­ are you going to apply with us, then?¡±


    ¡°Why me?¡± I asked, searching her face, curious to know why she was pushing this so hard.


    She took a steadying breath, her blue eyes meeting mine with a newfound intensity. ¡°Because I¡¯m already sure of you,¡± she said, her gaze unwavering, the depth of sincerity there catching me off guard.


    The words hit me like a punch to the chest, straight to the heart. I blinked, feeling a rush of warmth I hadn¡¯t expected. Sitting up a little straighter, I let a small, genuine smile break through.


    ¡°Got it,¡± I said softly. ¡°I¡¯ll apply.¡±


    ¡°I know this might be a hassle for you, so I was planning to compensate for¡ªwait, what?!¡± Myrrh froze, her mouth dropping open in shock. ¡°What did you just say?¡±


    ¡°Go on,¡± I replied with a smirk. ¡°You were just getting to the part about my ¡®compensation.¡¯¡±


    ¡°No! You said you¡¯d apply!¡± Her face lit up, her disbelief giving way to excitement. ¡°No take-backs, no oopsies! You promised!¡±


    I sighed, leaning back as I looked at her. ¡°Yeah, yeah. I¡¯ll help you get that license and land that internship. Just leave it to me.¡± I couldn¡¯t help the small smile that slipped through, knowing I¡¯d managed to throw her off guard.


    ¡°Great!¡± she cheered, clapping her hands together with a gleeful grin. Without missing a beat, she reached into her sling bag, pulling out a folded piece of paper and presenting it to me with a flourish. It was the application paper. ¡°Here! I already filled it out for you¡ªyou just need to sign it!¡±


    I blinked, trying not to cringe as I took the form. She really had thought of everything, one step ahead, meticulously prepared. Myrrh Alicent, always the planner.


    The truth was, I¡¯d already decided to apply for the license yesterday, after my parents squashed my hopes of getting a part-time job. But I¡¯d wanted to see her push for it, to get her to break her usual, arrogant composure and admit she wanted me as her partner. Watching an untouchable Mary Sue like her practically begging, her pride faltering just a bit¡ªit was worth it. Turns out, I was two steps ahead.

 Chapter 31 - Swan Boat

    Chapter 31 - Swan Boat


    I find myself strolling alongside Myrrh through a park nestled just a couple of blocks from the caf¨¦. The air is tinged with a mix of fresh greenery and faint sweetness drifting over from nearby stalls. The first thing that catches my eye is an enormous monument¡ªan imposing, one-to-one scale statue of a Frame Unit, sculpted from pure ivory with intricate gold plating glistening in the light. It stands as if frozen mid-strike, one massive fist extended in a perfect karate punch. The likeness to Myrrh¡¯s own Frame Unit Mode is uncanny, making the statue seem almost like a reflection of her, its unmoving gaze focused forward in silent vigilance.


    Around us, the park is alive with color and motion. Vendors line the pathways, hawking bright balloons that sway in the gentle breeze, fluffy clouds of cotton candy, and sizzling hotdogs. A series of fountains flank the monument, sending glowing water arcing gracefully into the air, casting a soft shimmer over the scene. Children¡¯s laughter rings out as they dart around, dodging the gentle spray, while couples stroll hand-in-hand and dog-walkers move at a leisurely pace.


    ¡°Welcome to Mirana Plaza,¡± Myrrh says, her voice swelling with pride as she gestures toward the towering monument. ¡°This is where Earth¡¯s mightiest heroine, Mirana Alicent, made her final stand against the Cosmic Beasts during the Christmas Raid. WAIFUs fought relentlessly here, holding the line as endless waves of beasts crashed against them. It was this battle that sealed my mother¡¯s legacy as the most renowned WAIFU of all.¡±


    I shoot her a playful smirk. ¡°Too bad her daughter¡¯s a sham.¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s lips twitch, her smile tight and restrained, her eyes narrowing slightly. ¡°I¡¯d usually kick your mouth shut for saying that, but I¡¯m in too good a mood to ruin it.¡± Despite her attempt to hold her composure, I can practically see her mind strangling me in imaginary retribution.


    I can¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°Just teasing.¡±


    I take a moment to admire the monument of Mirana Alicent, feeling a sense of awe well up as I look at the impressive sculpture. The monument is encircled by dense bushes brimming with peculiar silvery flowers, their metallic sheen glinting in the light. The blooms look as though they were crafted from pure silver rather than grown from the earth, catching and reflecting the sunlight in a way that gives them an otherworldly glow. While other flowers add bursts of color throughout the park, these silver blossoms stand out¡ªstrange, almost alien. I doubt anything like them exists naturally on Earth.


    ¡°Those are Cyberflowers,¡± Myrrh explains, following my gaze. ¡°They¡¯re genetically engineered plants infused with mystical nanomachines, just like us WAIFUs. I read somewhere that these flowers were actually the first test subjects for these nanomachines. It was a bit of a happy accident¡ªthey turned out to be stunningly beautiful, so now they¡¯re used as ornamental plants all around Xyraxis.¡±


    I nod, fascinated, the futuristic flora making the place feel even more like a sanctuary to heroes and legends. ¡°So they¡¯re like WAIFUs in a way,¡± I remark, pulling out my phone to snap a picture of the monument against the backdrop of Cyberflowers.


    ¡°Exactly. And just like the Cyberflowers, we WAIFUs are the epitome of cyber mystic beauty,¡± Myrrh adds, striking a dramatic pose and placing a hand against her chest with a sassy confidence, her eyes twinkling with mischief. ¡°Be sure to take a picture of me too.¡±


    I roll my eyes but can¡¯t help a faint smile. ¡°Fiiiiine.¡±


    I line up the shot, framing the monument, the metallic flowers, and Myrrh posing beside them, her expression a blend of playfulness and pride. I snap the picture, admiring it as it captures the glint of the flowers, the powerful statue, and Myrrh¡¯s graceful stance¡ªa perfect composition, my own little masterpiece. Maybe it¡¯s because Myrrh¡¯s natural beauty elevates the shot, or maybe it¡¯s because I¡¯m just that good with a camera. Yeah, I¡¯m pretty sure it¡¯s the latter.


    Behind Mirana Plaza, about a hundred meters, lies a serene, man-made lake, its gentle waves reflecting the light like ripples of polished glass. Encircling the water¡¯s edge is a dazzling array of flowers arranged in bands of vibrant color, stretching like a living rainbow that hugs the shoreline. Myrrh and I walk slowly along the path, the quiet lapping of the water accompanying our steps. In the lake, swan-shaped boats drift lazily, paddled by tourists who smile and laugh as they take in the tranquil beauty of the scene.


    Suddenly, Myrrh stops, turning to me with a mischievous grin. ¡°Since you¡¯ve managed to put me in a good mood today, I¡¯ll treat you to a boat ride. Let¡¯s go!¡±


    Before I can protest, she¡¯s already speaking to the boat attendant, buying tickets for the two of us. Soon enough, we step into one of the delicate swan-shaped boats, settling onto the cushioned seats. But as the boat rocks gently, I realize there¡¯s a catch: as the designated ¡°gentleman¡± here, I¡¯m handed the oars.


    Rowing the boat sounds simple enough, but after a few strokes, I start to feel the burn. My shoulders groan in protest, and unfamiliar aches radiate through my biceps and triceps. My lack of exercise is catching up fast, and I¡¯m soon panting, struggling to keep the boat moving smoothly.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    ¡°Faster, faster, crewmate!¡± Myrrh teases, reclining comfortably with her head propped on her hands, a smirk dancing on her lips.


    ¡°You¡­ should be the one rowing¡­¡± I gasp, my breath coming in shallow puffs. ¡°You¡¯re the more athletic one.¡±


    She raises an eyebrow, feigning outrage. ¡°Excuse me! I am a proper lady, and you should act like a gentleman¡ªjust this once!¡± She huffs dramatically. ¡°Not to mention, you¡¯ve never even opened a door for me!¡±


    ¡°Go find a boyfriend to be your slave, then!¡± I grumble between labored breaths.


    She gives a mock gasp, her eyes gleaming. ¡°Who needs a slave when I have a goon like you?¡± she quips, her smirk widening. ¡°Now row faster, you lowlife scum!¡±


    ¡°Honestly, Myrrh, fuck you. No wonder Ephraim left you¡ªyou¡¯re a damn slave driver,¡± I mutter, just loud enough for her to hear.


    She lets out a laugh, clearly amused, and leans back, clearly savoring my struggle, while I can only focus on the endless push and pull of the oars, wondering if I¡¯ll survive this ¡°treat¡± of hers.


    Myrrh pouts, crossing her arms. ¡°Hey, I never treated Ephraim like a slave. He was a real gentleman¡ªalways thoughtful, always giving me what I wanted before I even asked for it.¡± Her expression softens briefly, perhaps remembering some fleeting, sweet moment.


    I can¡¯t help but smirk. ¡°Was he just as thoughtful with his new girlfriend?¡±


    Her brows twitch, but she holds her smile, letting the jab slide. I almost expect her to fire back, but instead, she sighs and flicks her hair with exaggerated sass. ¡°Let¡¯s just change the subject. I¡¯m done with that cheater anyway.¡±


    The playfulness fades a bit as she seems to settle into a more serious mood. Her blue eyes narrow, fixing on me with a curious intensity that feels unexpected. She¡¯s quiet for a moment, then asks, her voice calm but probing, ¡°Alright, let¡¯s talk about your love life. How come you¡¯ve never been in a relationship? I know plenty of hooligans like you who manage to find someone, so don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re ¡®holding out.¡¯¡± She eyes me suspiciously. ¡°And you¡¯re definitely not bisexual; you don¡¯t care about your looks nearly enough.¡±


    I lift my chin proudly, savoring the moment. ¡°I have high standards.¡±


    She snorts. ¡°Bullshit. Give me the real reason.¡±


    I freeze, the oars resting still in my hands as the weight of her question settles over me. The truth of why I¡¯ve never been in a relationship is something I¡¯d always planned to take to the grave¡ªa secret even my closest friends have never pried into. My mouth feels dry as I bow my head, inhaling softly, bracing myself.


    ¡°Nobody would have me,¡± I say quietly.


    I half-expect Myrrh to burst into laughter, the way she usually does whenever I let my guard down. I brace myself, counting down¡ªthree, two, one. But there¡¯s only silence. When I glance up, I realize she¡¯s not laughing, not even smirking. Instead, she just stares, a poker face masking a flicker of disbelief mixed with something uncomfortably close to pity.


    ¡°Well, you can laugh anytime now,¡± I mutter, attempting to lighten the tension.


    Myrrh¡¯s face shifts into a smug, teasing grin. ¡°Aww, poor Zaft Callahan. So I¡¯m your first date? Too bad your first date only has distaste for you.¡±


    Her words sting a little more than I expected, but I keep quiet, frowning as I try to steel myself. This is Myrrh¡¯s chance to throw jabs, so I sit back and prepare to endure whatever insults she tosses my way. But then, to my surprise, her tone softens, shifting from mocking to something more neutral, even thoughtful.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s really true that nobody would have you,¡± she says, her voice calmer. She hesitates for a second, then continues, ¡°I¡­ heard back on prom night that some people thought you were quite a looker. Maybe you could be attractive if you actually tried¡ªlike a broken clock that¡¯s right twice a day.¡±


    There¡¯s a gentleness in her words, hidden beneath her usual sass. It¡¯s enough to catch me off guard, and I glance away, unsure how to respond. For a moment, I sense an unexpected warmth between us¡ªa truce, perhaps, in our usual battles of words.


    Memories of prom night flicker in my mind. The details are hazy now¡ªa blur of music and unfamiliar faces, half-remembered laughter. I don¡¯t even recall my hairstyle or what tux I wore, just the unforgettable moment when Myrrh was dumped by her ex. Almost a year has passed since that night, yet that scene lingers more clearly than any other detail.


    ¡°What makes you think of that anyway?¡± Myrrh asks, pulling me back to the present.


    By now, we¡¯ve drifted to the center of the man-made lake, surrounded by serene water that reflects the spiraling height of Archonlight Tower. I let my gaze settle on the tower for a moment, its structure rising like a silver thread into the sky. Taking a deep breath, I finally reply, ¡°Well, as you¡¯ve pointed out countless times, I¡¯m immature and act like a delinquent.¡±


    Myrrh frowns slightly, as if dissatisfied with my answer. ¡°You might be immature, but you¡¯re loyal. You¡¯ve got a strong sense of camaraderie. I think that¡¯s the most important thing about you. You never leave anyone behind¡ªnot even your jackass ¡®brotherhood¡¯ back in high school.¡± Her gaze softens. ¡°You¡­ you even saved me.¡±


    I look down, unsure how to respond, my fingers grazing the oars. ¡°Well, girls don¡¯t seem to notice that.¡±


    ¡°False,¡± she says, a small smile breaking across her face. ¡°I know at least one person who had a bit of a crush on you in the student council.¡± She holds up her fingers in a tiny pinch to emphasize just how slight that attraction might have been.


    I blink, my curiosity fully engaged. ¡°Who?¡± I lean forward, searching her face for any hint.


    Myrrh¡¯s grin turns smug as she leans back, savoring my curiosity. ¡°It¡¯s a secret.¡±


    What a tease. I narrow my eyes at her, barely restraining the urge to toss her into the lake. But under the frustration, I feel a hint of warmth¡ªthe rare moments when Myrrh lets her guard down enough to say something kind.


    ¡°Was it¡­ you?¡± I murmur, my smirk barely hidden.


    Myrrh¡¯s cheeks flush instantly, a bloom of red that betrays her before she can cover it up. Her blue eyes narrow, fixing me with a glare that would probably wither anyone else. For a moment, she just stares, her expression somewhere between outrage and embarrassment. She looks as though she¡¯s staring at some bothersome insect, yet that blush lingers.


    ¡°Ha! In your dreams! Know your place, you peasant,¡± she snaps, the bite in her voice attempting to mask the hint of flustered vulnerability.


    I chuckle, leaning back. ¡°If there¡¯s a peasant in this boat, it¡¯s definitely you.¡±


    Her eyes narrow as she flicks her hair over her shoulder, trying to maintain her composure. ¡°Let¡¯s just say¡­ even if there was the slightest inkling of interest, it¡¯s been buried under layers of annoyance from all the times you¡¯ve driven me insane.¡±

 Chapter 32 - Casino Date

    Chapter 32 - Casino Date


    It¡¯s already lunchtime, and today¡¯s menu holds a familiar delight: Sammelplatz Pizza¡ªMyrrh¡¯s absolute favorite. The pizza arrived piping hot, filling the air with the rich scent of melted cheese, pepperoni, and a hint of herbed crust. Myrrh¡¯s eyes sparkled as she picked up a thick, cheese-laden slice, the melted cheese stretching with each bite.


    ¡°Mmmm! This is the best! Sammelplatz Pizza is my one true love!¡± she declared, her voice lilting with delight as she sank her teeth into the cheesy, meaty slice. Each bite was accompanied by a muffled sound of satisfaction, her face glowing with contentment.


    I, on the other hand, only had a single slice on my plate. The rich sheen of grease glistening on the surface seemed to glower back at me, daring me to take a bite. I could almost feel my arteries protest as I watched molten cheese ooze like lava over the crust. Meanwhile, Myrrh was happily tackling her third slice¡ªthis being her ¡°handicap¡± since she was trying to lose weight, or so she claimed.


    At least we didn¡¯t splurge on a full family-sized pizza this time.


    The diner itself was alive with energy. Jazz music floated through the air, the gentle plucking of acoustic guitars blending with the murmur of patrons. In the corner, a live band was performing, the lead singer¡ªa blue-haired woman in a shimmering white dress¡ªcaptivating the crowd. Her voice was smooth, velvety, wrapping around the jazz ballad like a lullaby, while the musicians behind her played a mellow waltz rhythm.


    ¡°Hey, isn¡¯t that Dianca?¡± Myrrh said, her eyes widening as she glanced at the singer.


    ¡°Dianca?¡± I echoed, tilting my head in curiosity.


    ¡°Yeah, Dianca Fritz,¡± she clarified, her voice tinged with excitement. ¡°She¡¯s a famous online game streamer. She sings while she plays¡ªcan you believe we¡¯re seeing her live?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not really fond of online game streamers,¡± I said, shrugging. ¡°They annoy me.¡±


    ¡°Dianca is a cut above the streamers you¡¯re used to,¡± Myrrh retorted, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. ¡°Her content¡¯s actually wholesome, unlike¡­ well, unlike some girl streamers who just show off their¡­ ahem, assets.¡± She cleared her throat, but the embarrassment lingered as she broke into a soft, awkward smile. ¡°Anyway, I heard she¡¯s studying at Orbital Tech too, in our year¡ªa WAIFU, like us. Too bad she¡¯s not in our class, huh?¡±


    I turned to get a closer look at Dianca Fritz. She looked ethereal under the stage lights, her green eyes like glimmering emeralds, and her blue hair catching the glow like polished sapphire. She moved with an easy grace, fully immersed in her song, her voice capturing the entire room. Seeing her perform, I could understand why Myrrh admired her; Dianca seemed both radiant and grounded, like she belonged there.


    As her song ended, the restaurant erupted in applause. Dianca gave a small, gracious bow, her smile calm yet appreciative. Then she gracefully descended from the stage, strolling through the aisle while patrons scrambled to snap photos, their phones popping up like flowers after rain. With a final wave, she exited the restaurant, leaving a trail of whispers and excited murmurs in her wake.


    I glanced back at Myrrh, who was still engrossed in her last slice of thick, cheesy pizza, savoring each greasy bite with a contented smile. I couldn¡¯t help but smile too. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you were into online game streams,¡± I said, teasing her a bit.


    ¡°God forbid a proper lady like me has hobbies,¡± Myrrh huffed, pouting.


    ¡°I thought your hobby was insulting people and being an arrogant little bitch,¡± I shot back with a smirk.


    Myrrh rolled her eyes, but there was a playful spark behind them, and a small grin tugged at her lips. ¡°You wish,¡± she muttered, taking another triumphant bite of her pizza.


    Myrrh¡¯s gaze shifted subtly to my left, her blue eyes narrowing into a sharp glare. For a moment, I thought she was about to give me one of her classic, indignant stares¡ªthe kind she usually saved for my sharper comments. But then, just as quickly, she looked back at me, her face softening into a smile that held no trace of irritation.


    ¡°Hey,¡± she said, her tone light and almost mischievous. ¡°After lunch, I¡¯ll show you a place I know you¡¯ll love.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± I asked, raising an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. ¡°And what place might that be?¡±Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    She just smirked, clearly enjoying keeping me in suspense, her expression a mixture of playfulness and mystery.


    <><><>


    We arrived at the Megamall, its sprawling levels stacked with every type of store imaginable. We didn¡¯t linger on the lower floors, though; Myrrh led us straight to the escalators¡ªthree in total¡ªtaking us higher and higher until we finally reached the fourth floor. There, tucked behind a set of glass double doors, lay our destination: an adult arcade, the casino.


    The moment we entered, the buzz of the place washed over us. The chimes and beeps of slot machines echoed from one side, where older patrons hunched over, entranced by the flashing lights. Nearby, groups clustered around tables playing chess and Game of the Generals with intense concentration, while poker games unfolded in quieter, dimly lit corners. On another side, people were lost in the spinning colors of pinball, while others gathered around roulette and baccarat tables, their faces a mix of hope and tension. At the northern end, a sleek bar gleamed under low lights, a gathering place for patrons enjoying a drink between rounds.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this place nostalgic?¡± Myrrh said with a sly smile. Her tone was playful, though I wasn¡¯t sure if she was teasing me or being sincere. ¡°Considering your hobbies, I figured this would be heaven for you.¡±


    ¡°Three or four years ago, you¡¯d be right,¡± I said with a smirk. ¡°But I¡¯ve turned over a new leaf¡ªever since a certain someone did a judo grab on me that nearly dislocated my elbow.¡± My sarcasm hung heavy, laced with a grin.


    ¡°New leaf, huh?¡± Myrrh shot me a skeptical look, her face smug. ¡°Are you, though?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I am. But I¡¯m honestly surprised you, of all people, brought me here,¡± I replied, eyeing her with a mix of curiosity and amusement.


    Myrrh sighed, but her eyes sparkled. ¡°Oh, please, Zaft. Back then, we were high school students, and minors aren¡¯t supposed to be gambling in a place like this. But we¡¯re eighteen now¡ªcollege students, practically adults. We can do whatever we want now,¡± she said, her voice carrying a tone of liberation. She punctuated it with a wink. ¡°Just¡­ in moderation, okay?¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± I said, flashing her a grin.


    ¡°Just to be clear,¡± Myrrh replied, crossing her arms and giving me a wry look, ¡°I¡¯m not financing any of your gambling on this date. You¡¯re risking your own money here.¡±


    ¡°Okay, okay,¡± I agreed, chuckling as I made my way toward a table where an older, aristocratic man sat, idly tapping his fingers, clearly waiting for a challenger at the Game of the Generals.


    The pit boss noticed my interest immediately, arranging a seat and setting the game pieces with swift, practiced motions. I took my place across from the old aristocrat, who gave me a polite nod, eyes twinkling with the quiet confidence of someone who had played¡ªand won¡ªthis game countless times. Myrrh stood just behind me, watching, her presence both calming and motivating. I cracked my knuckles, feeling a twinge of nostalgia as the game began. It had been years since I last played a round in a casino, but the thrill and strategy of it came flooding back.


    As we moved our pieces across the board, my old instincts kicked in, the strategies feeling as natural as breathing. In a handful of moves, I saw my opening¡ªand took it. My opponent blinked, momentarily stunned before he gave a nod of gracious defeat. My victory attracted the attention of other distinguished, tuxedo-clad men nearby, who now eyed me with curiosity and respect. With a small sigh, the old aristocrat surrendered his seat to the next contender, a slight smirk acknowledging my skill.


    ¡°See? This is still my jam!¡± I said proudly, glancing back at Myrrh to share my excitement. But instead of her usual enthusiasm, I saw her staring off into the distance, her expression distracted, almost troubled. My words seemed to jolt her back to the present, and she quickly pasted on a smile.


    ¡°A-ah, yes! You¡¯re great! Hahaha¡­¡± Myrrh forced out a laugh, her voice wavering slightly. ¡°You keep playing. I¡¯ll grab a drink from the bar.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± I replied, watching her go with a growing sense of unease.


    Something was definitely bothering her. I¡¯d first noticed her strange behavior back at Sammelplatz Diner, but I¡¯d brushed it off as my imagination. Now, though, her actions were too unusual to ignore.


    ¡°Okay, one last game,¡± I muttered to myself, focusing on the board as I arranged my pieces for another round of Game of the Generals. But a nagging voice in the back of my mind kept wondering what was wrong with her.


    Ten minutes and another victory later, I scanned the room for Myrrh, only to find she hadn¡¯t returned yet. A faint sense of worry crept in, urging me to leave the table and look for her.


    Crossing to the other side of the casino, I spotted her almost immediately. She was sitting alone at the bar, a delicate glass of champagne in her hand, her gaze distant until she noticed me approaching. Her eyes widened briefly in surprise before she put on a casual smile.


    ¡°Oh, done already?¡± she asked, her tone light. ¡°How much did you win?¡±


    ¡°Never mind that,¡± I replied, sitting down beside her, my expression serious. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Myrrh? Are¡­ are you mad at me?¡±


    She raised an eyebrow, a smug smile quirking her lips. ¡°Oh, how sweet of you to ask. And if I was mad, what would you do about it?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not an answer,¡± I replied, my voice firm but concerned. ¡°Did I do something to upset you? Aside from our usual back-and-forth banters?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± she said, her expression softening. Then, after a quick glance around, she leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper. ¡°Come closer.¡±


    I leaned in as she¡¯d requested, and our arms brushed together, her shoulder pressing firmly against mine. I could feel her warmth, the softness of her against my left arm, making the whole scene strangely intimate.


    Keeping her voice barely audible, Myrrh whispered, ¡°I¡¯m not sure if you¡¯ve noticed, but we¡¯re being followed. Don¡¯t turn around,¡± she added quickly. ¡°He¡¯s been trailing us since we took that swan boat in the park. I needed to step away for a bit to assess his intentions, but I¡¯m sure now: you¡¯re his target.¡±


    Her words sent a chill down my spine.

 Chapter 33 - I Never Bluff

    Chapter 33 - I Never Bluff


    "W-what do you mean I¡¯m his target?" I felt the blood drain from my face, my whole body stiffening with fear. "A-am I going to be assassinated?" My voice was barely a whisper, shaky and edged with panic.


    "Ssshhh." Myrrh leaned closer, her eyes narrowed with cautious intensity. "I don¡¯t think that¡¯s the case. I¡¯ve been keeping an eye on him from a distance, and for now, he¡¯s just... watching you."


    "Him? It¡¯s a man?" I asked, my voice tight.


    Myrrh nodded gravely, her gaze flickering back toward the entrance. "I spotted him earlier, hooded, lurking at the edge of the park. He followed us into the restaurant, and when we walked into the casino, he swapped his disguise for a sleek tuxedo, trying to disappear into the sea of gamblers. He¡¯s tall¡ªabout six and a half feet¡ªwith long, wavy black hair that catches the light, and skin so pale it¡¯s almost ghostly. He''s probably in his mid fifties. His face has that unsettling, statuesque stillness, and he¡¯s hiding behind golden-framed shades. I don¡¯t think he¡¯s here to kill you, though¡ªunless he¡¯s stashing a weapon in a very uncomfortable place." A hint of a smile flickered across her face, but it quickly faded.


    "Whoa, you noticed all that?" My eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and admiration bubbling up. "Is that why you were gone for fifteen minutes?"


    "It wasn¡¯t hard to track him since he¡¯s so focused on you¡ªoh!" Myrrh¡¯s eyes widened suddenly, and her breath hitched. "He¡¯s moving towards us!"


    I twisted in my chair, my stomach churning with dread. There he was, just as Myrrh had described¡ªtall, thin, his unnaturally pale face split by a wide, unnerving grin that stretched from ear to ear. My whole body shuddered, a cold, prickling sensation dancing down my spine. Myrrh and I shot to our feet, chairs scraping against the casino floor.


    "Hello there." The man¡¯s voice was smooth but strangely brittle, like cracked porcelain. He raised one slender, almost skeletal hand, the skin stretched taut over his knuckles. "I hope I¡¯m not startling you. You¡¯re¡­ Zaft Callahan, correct?"


    Myrrh¡¯s hand shot out and grabbed my wrist, yanking me behind her with a protective force. She stepped forward, positioning herself like a fierce older sister shielding a helpless younger sibling.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got the wrong person,¡± she declared with a steely glare that could cut glass. Her voice was sharp, unyielding. ¡°This is Tiny Dickson.¡±


    What kind of ridiculous name was that? I nearly choked, my face burning with embarrassment, but I bit my tongue. As absurd as it sounded, I knew Myrrh was just trying to protect my identity. Still, did she have to throw in the insult?


    The man chuckled, a hollow sound that felt unsettlingly light. ¡°Haha, you¡¯ve got a sense of humor,¡± he said, turning his gaze fully on Myrrh. His smile didn¡¯t waver, but his eyes grew colder, more calculating. ¡°But I¡¯m afraid you can¡¯t fool me. You¡¯re the spitting image of your mother¡ªthe illustrious Mirana Alicent. That¡¯s why I¡¯m confident he¡¯s Zaft Callahan. And I¡¯m quite aware that you¡¯ve been watching me too, ever since you realized I¡¯d noticed you. So I thought I¡¯d save us the suspense and come say hello.¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s face hardened, her jaw clenched. She squared her shoulders, taking another step forward, putting herself firmly between me and the stranger. ¡°Who the hell are you?¡± she demanded, her voice as dangerous as the edge of a knife.


    The pale man didn¡¯t flinch. Instead, he dipped into a formal bow, a gesture that seemed both mockingly polite and oddly sinister. ¡°Ismail Arondight,¡± he said, his tone smooth and unhurried. "I imagine you''re curious as to why I¡¯ve been following the two of you. So, how about we settle your curiosity over a game of poker? It seems like the perfect setting for a friendly discussion."


    Myrrh¡¯s eyes narrowed, her stance unwavering. ¡°And if we refuse?¡± she shot back, her voice like ice. She was doing all the talking now, and honestly, I was grateful. My heart was pounding in my throat, and my tongue felt like it was glued to the roof of my mouth. Besides, she was doing an impressive job of playing the role of my personal bodyguard, leaving me to silently hope that she¡¯d keep it up.


    ¡°Well...¡± Ismail¡¯s grin widened as he lowered his shades, revealing a pair of eyes glowing a fierce crimson. Faint, intricate circuits pulsed beneath the surface¡ªclearly cyberpunk implants, radiating a cold, mechanical energy. ¡°Let¡¯s just say... there will be a lot of collateral damage.¡±


    In that instant, the entire atmosphere shifted. The lights overhead flickered, casting jagged shadows across the casino floor. A chorus of distorted beeps and garbled jingles erupted as the slot machines glitched, sending a wave of disgruntled murmurs through the aristocrats. But that wasn¡¯t all¡ªsmall red dots flared to life in the corners, the security cameras suddenly glowing like tiny, watchful eyes. A low, ominous hum filled the air as the automatic glass doors sealed shut with a hiss.


    Then, as abruptly as it started, the lights steadied, the machines chimed merrily again, and the cameras went dark. It was as if nothing had happened¡ªexcept for the heavy tension that settled over the room.


    Myrrh and I were paralyzed, fear tightening around my chest like a steel vise. I¡¯d heard stories about cybernetic implants in Xyraxis¡ªadvanced technology that allowed people to merge their minds with machines using microchips embedded directly in their brains. It was similar to the WEEB system I was familiar with, but these implants could connect to anything¡ªBluetooth, Wi-Fi, even nearby networks. And then there were the whispers of those who took this technology to dangerous extremes: cybercriminals who could seize control of any electronic device, hacking entire systems with a flicker of thought.


    Ismail Arondight was one of them¡ªsomeone who could wreak havoc with a glance. This wasn¡¯t just a threat; it was a demonstration, a warning of the chaos he could unleash if he wanted.


    Myrrh moved swiftly, her hand darting to her belt. She pulled out her morpher, its surface gleaming with readiness, and held it at the ready. Her eyes never left Ismail, her whole body tense and coiled like a spring. At the sight of the device, Ismail chuckled and raised both hands slowly in mock surrender.


    ¡°Whoa there, WAIFU,¡± he said, his tone light but mocking. ¡°Are you seriously going to transform here, in a packed casino? You wouldn¡¯t want the place to end up a bloody mess, would you? Imagine all these fine people turned into strawberry jam.¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s face twisted in frustration, and with a low, angry hiss, she lowered the morpher. Her knuckles turned white around the handle as she fought to keep her anger in check.


    ¡°Good girl,¡± Ismail taunted, his smirk widening. His gaze shifted to me, and he cocked his head slightly, eyes gleaming with amusement. ¡°Now, let¡¯s not make a scene. Just let me have a little chat with Mister Callahan.¡±Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    We exchanged a quick, uneasy look. Trapped with no clear way out, I gave a barely perceptible nod. For now, there was no other choice but to go along with whatever game Ismail Arondight had planned.


    <><><>


    I found myself seated at a small, circular poker table, isolated from the bustle of the casino. Myrrh stood between us, assuming the role of our card dealer, her gaze sharp and unflinching. Across from me sat the enigmatic Ismail Arondight, a pleased, almost predatory smile playing on his lips. The lights overhead bathed the table in a dim, golden glow, casting long shadows across the green felt. As Myrrh began to deal, I caught a glimpse of her tense expression before she leaned close to my ear, her voice barely more than a whisper.


    ¡°If anything goes wrong,¡± she murmured, her breath warm and urgent against my ear, ¡°head straight for the exit behind you¡ªsix o¡¯clock. I¡¯ll cover you as best I can, but make sure you get to security or the mall cops.¡±


    I barely had time to nod before Ismail¡¯s smooth, taunting voice interrupted. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t waste your breath, Miss Alicent.¡± He leaned back in his chair, his cybernetic eyes glowing a brighter crimson, the circuits sparking faintly in the dim light. ¡°My implants allow me to ¡®hear¡¯ everything you say, even when you think you¡¯re being quiet.¡± He chuckled, a low, almost mechanical sound that sent a chill down my spine. ¡°You can¡¯t hide from me. But relax¡ªso long as you play by the rules, everyone stays safe.¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s face darkened, her fingers tightening around the deck as she struggled to keep her composure. Her jaw was set, her lips pressed into a thin line of frustration. I could sense the weight of her dilemma; the lives of everyone in the casino, and possibly the entire mall, hung on this tense, delicate balance. If we didn¡¯t play along, there was no telling what kind of chaos Ismail would unleash.


    ¡°Rest assured,¡± Ismail continued, his tone oozing with false reassurance as he adjusted his fedora with a slow, deliberate movement, ¡°I¡¯m not the sort to bluff.¡± His smile widened, showing the edges of teeth that gleamed unnaturally white under the casino lights.


    Myrrh¡¯s hands moved in a practiced rhythm, shuffling and dealing the cards with a precision that betrayed no hint of her inner turmoil. I swallowed hard and forced myself to meet Ismail¡¯s gaze. His eyes seemed to burn with a cold, calculated amusement, as if he already knew every card in my hand and every thought in my head. It felt like a game of cat and mouse¡ªbut I wasn¡¯t sure who was the prey.


    The first three cards were flipped face-up, spreading out across the green felt of the table. Myrrh¡¯s hand hovered over the deck, still as a statue, her eyes narrowed with suspicion. I kept my gaze locked on Ismail, my heart beating like a drum in my chest, waiting for him to make a move, to reveal his next play.


    A flicker of amusement danced in Ismail¡¯s crimson eyes as he glanced from me to the table. Then he spoke, his voice low and almost conversational. ¡°Tell me, Mister Callahan, have you ever heard of Project HUSBANDO?¡±


    ¡°HUSBANDO?¡± I repeated, confused, shaking my head. The word didn¡¯t mean anything to me.


    Ismail leaned forward slightly, his eyes catching the light, making the circuitry beneath them gleam with a mechanical brilliance. ¡°Hybrid Utility Sentinel Battle Augmented Neutralizing Defense Operator,¡± he said, savoring each syllable like he was revealing some great, dark secret. ¡°In other words, male humans who are capable of transforming into Frame Units.¡±


    ¡°Absurd,¡± Myrrh interjected sharply, her voice cutting through the tense silence. ¡°Only female humans can turn into Frame Units. The genetic enhancements aren¡¯t compatible with the male chromosome.¡±


    Ismail¡¯s laughter was a deep, mocking chuckle that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. ¡°Ah, I see you were paying attention in your university lectures,¡± he said, his tone teasing. ¡°You¡¯re correct¡ªin theory. But what do you think happens when they attempt genetic modifications on male subjects, knowing full well about the incompatibility?¡±


    A cold silence settled over the table. Myrrh¡¯s eyes widened, and I felt a chill run down my spine. None of our professors had ever mentioned what would happen if those modifications were forced on a male subject. The ethical risks were too great; no reputable researcher would entertain such dangerous experiments. But deep down, I already knew what he was getting at.


    ¡°They would develop a genetic disorder,¡± I said softly, the words leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.


    ¡°Ding ding, that¡¯s correct, Mister Callahan.¡± Ismail¡¯s smile stretched wider, a disturbing blend of satisfaction and malevolence. ¡°Those poor souls¡ªthose HUSBANDOs¡ªthey turn into monsters. Abominations who can¡¯t even control their own minds, driven mad by the chaos in their genes. The first HUSBANDOs, you see, were the prototypes of the WAIFUs. Yet, despite every catastrophic failure... despite the horror of it all... Xyraxis continues these twisted experiments.¡±


    "Again, that''s absurd," Myrrh said, her voice laced with a controlled anger. "Using human test subjects like that is a violation of basic human rights." Her eyes burned with a righteous fury, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of the determination that had gotten us through so many tight spots.


    "Heheh." Ismail only chuckled, a low, almost predatory sound, and casually peeked at his cards. ¡°I have an ace,¡± he said, his tone deceptively calm as he revealed the corner of one card, letting the dark letter ¡®A¡¯ flash under the casino¡¯s muted lights.


    I glanced down at my own hand¡ªmy pulse quickening. I had the chance to build a straight. If Ismail wasn¡¯t bluffing, the best he could have was a pair of aces. I was in a strong position to win this round, but my gut twisted as I tried to read him.


    He was staring at me, his crimson, cybernetic eyes practically boring into my soul. There was something unsettling about them, as if those artificial irises weren¡¯t just observing, but calculating every breath I took, every twitch of my expression. His face remained eerily still, a mask of quiet amusement, until he caught me scrutinizing him and gave a slow, knowing smile.


    I tried not to show my discomfort and tapped my knuckles lightly on the table. ¡°Check,¡± I said, keeping my voice as steady as I could manage. The air felt thick and heavy, like the silence that settles before a storm.


    ¡°Check,¡± Ismail echoed, his fingers rapping softly on the edge of the table. There was no hesitation, no crack in his unnerving calm.


    We both laid down our cards. I flipped mine first, the straight lining up perfectly from Ten to King. Ismail¡¯s eyes flickered down to my hand, but his expression didn¡¯t change. Then, with a casual flourish, he revealed his own cards¡ªa single ace paired with a four. Just as I¡¯d suspected, he had nothing more than a simple pair.


    I¡¯d won.


    The tension in my chest loosened as I exhaled sharply, and my pile of chips swelled with Ismail¡¯s losses. The adrenaline left me light-headed, a giddy thrill that danced in the pit of my stomach. This unexpected fortune meant I could survive the month, maybe even splurge a little¡ªenough gambling money to replace my dwindling allowance.


    Ismail, however, seemed utterly unperturbed by his loss. ¡°I told you,¡± he said with a sly smile, his voice oddly calm as he rose gracefully from his seat. ¡°I never bluff.¡± He tipped his hat, the shadows deepening over his pale face, and gave a polite, almost gentlemanly nod. His cybernetic eyes lingered on me for a moment longer, as if committing my face to memory. ¡°I¡¯ll be seeing you again, Zaft Callahan.¡±


    Suddenly, the entire casino was plunged into darkness. The lights overhead flickered wildly, and for five heart-stopping seconds, the world felt as though it had been swallowed by a shadow. I could hear the gasps of surprise from the gamblers, the muffled clinking of chips dropping to the floor, and the frantic beeping of slot machines resetting. Myrrh¡¯s eyes darted around, every muscle in her body tensed and ready for a threat.


    Then, just as quickly, the lights snapped back on, flooding the room with a harsh, artificial glow. The casino¡¯s hum returned¡ªthe buzz of conversation, the dings and jingles of slot machines¡ªbut something was wrong. I blinked, adjusting to the sudden brightness, and realized that Ismail was gone. He¡¯d vanished, as if swallowed by the shadows during those brief moments of darkness.


    ¡°Where did he go?¡± Myrrh¡¯s voice was a whisper, barely audible above the resumed chaos of the casino.


    I spun around, scanning the crowds for any sign of him, but it was as if he¡¯d never been there at all. My gaze drifted back to the poker table, and my breath hitched. There, on the smooth felt surface where Ismail had been sitting, lay a single photograph.


    Slowly, I reached out, my fingers trembling, and picked up the picture. It was a shot of a bulky, crimson Frame Unit¡ªone I recognized all too well. The hulking machine¡¯s angular armor gleamed a menacing red, and its eyes blazed with a cold, mechanical fury. This was the same Frame Unit we had fought back then, during the blackout incident. A name was scrawled in sharp, jagged letters across the bottom of the image:


    The Red Meteor.

 Chapter 34 - Holding Hands

    Chapter 34 - Holding Hands


    It was late afternoon when we stepped out of the Megamall. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a rich, golden-orange hue over everything around us, painting long shadows across the pavement. A gentle breeze swept through, carrying the faint scent of street food from nearby stalls.


    On the sidewalk, I noticed a father and his young daughter. She was no older than a grade-schooler, clutching a fluffy pink cloud of cotton candy in her small hands. They walked hand-in-hand, the father¡¯s gentle laughter mixing with the girl¡¯s carefree giggles¡ªa normal scene, blissfully unaware of the chaos that had unfolded just minutes earlier. It was true what they said: ignorance really was bliss.


    ¡°Zaft,¡± Myrrh''s voice broke through my thoughts. I turned to find her staring at me, her azure eyes shimmering with a resolve that hadn''t dimmed, even after everything that had happened. There was a strength in them that made my breath hitch.


    ¡°W-what¡¯s up?¡± I stuttered, feeling my own voice tremble.


    ¡°It¡¯s getting cold. My hand is shivering,¡± she said, her voice soft but steady.


    ¡°Oh, yeah?¡± I forced a smile, trying to mask the unease that gripped me. I looked down at my own hand, noticing the slight tremor in my fingers and the way the hairs on my arm stood up. ¡°I think my hand is cold, too.¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s eyebrows knitted together in a look of playful frustration, and then she pouted. ¡°No wonder you never had a girlfriend. You¡¯re completely hopeless at taking a hint.¡±


    Before I could react, she reached over and grabbed my hand, interlocking our fingers in one swift motion. Her touch was warm and soft¡ªa delicate contrast to the chill in the air. My heart skipped a beat. It was a feeling I¡¯d never experienced before. Her hand... it was so undeniably feminine.


    ¡°I-Isn¡¯t this kind of lewd?¡± I stammered, the words tumbling out before I could stop them.


    ¡°Pfft! Hahaha!¡± Myrrh burst into laughter, doubling over as if the weight of my awkwardness had finally tipped her over the edge. She laughed so hard that tears started to form in the corners of her eyes, glistening like tiny diamonds. When I shot her a disapproving frown, she tried to pull herself together, wiping away those tears of joy and mockery with the back of her hand. ¡°You... You really are innocent, aren¡¯t you? Holding hands in public is never lewd, dummy!¡±


    ¡°B-but, aren¡¯t couples supposed to do this? We¡¯re not a couple, r-right?¡± I managed to stammer, my voice cracking as I struggled to find the right words.


    Myrrh¡¯s lips curved into a smug smile, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks. ¡°We¡¯re on a date, so we should at least walk hand-in-hand until this is over,¡± she teased, her tone both playful and gentle. ¡°This is just the standard procedure for dates... unless, of course, you want to kiss me or something.¡±


    ¡°F-fine, let¡¯s settle with holding hands,¡± I muttered, feeling the heat creep up my neck as I looked away, the embarrassment burning my face. My ears felt like they were on fire. I couldn¡¯t believe the words coming out of my mouth¡ªmaybe I should wash my tongue with soap later.


    ¡°Oh, are you blushing?¡± Myrrh¡¯s eyes lit up with mischief as she leaned closer, her grin widening. ¡°You can¡¯t resist my beauty, can you? Come on, admit it. Maybe you¡¯ve developed a little crush on me?¡±


    ¡°S-shut up,¡± I grumbled, my voice barely above a whisper as I fought to keep my composure. I knew my cheeks were probably as red as the sunset above us, but there was no way I¡¯d give her the satisfaction of admitting it.


    ¡°You should feel blessed that I¡¯m letting your dirty fingers hold my hand,¡± Myrrh declared with a haughty tilt of her chin, her eyes twinkling mischievously. ¡°But don¡¯t let it go to your head. If you ever confess, I¡¯ll shoot you down without a second thought. But,¡± she added, her smirk widening, ¡°you¡¯re free to admit that I¡¯m your crush.¡±


    A spark of irritation flared in my chest, and I tightened my grip around her hand. ¡°I¡¯ll crush your fingers if you keep that up!¡± I warned, feeling a surge of defiance.


    ¡°Ow! Aaah! Stop it!¡± Myrrh winced dramatically, her voice a mix of genuine pain and exaggerated whining. The way she squirmed made something strange twist in my stomach¡ªa guilty pleasure. But before I pushed it too far, I loosened my grip, just enough for her to catch her breath.


    ¡°Jeez, you¡¯re quite the sadist, you know that?¡± she said, giving me a look that was somewhere between exasperation and amusement.


    ¡°No. I just enjoy seeing you in pain,¡± I replied with a chuckle that came out darker than I intended.


    ¡°That¡¯s the same thing!¡± she shot back, pouting as her cheeks puffed in a mock show of anger.


    Our playful bickering faded as we both noticed the familiar wrought-iron gate of the university looming ahead. I couldn¡¯t believe how fast the time had flown by, my focus consumed by Myrrh''s banter and the warmth of her hand wrapped in mine.


    ¡°Escort me to the girl¡¯s dormitory,¡± Myrrh said, switching to a prim and aristocratic tone, her nose turned up as if she were a noble lady giving a royal command. ¡°That¡¯s what a gentleman would do.¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that spread rumors about us dating?¡± I asked, my eyebrows furrowing as I imagined the whispers that would follow us through campus.


    ¡°We¡¯re already dating, silly¡ªit¡¯s just a friendly date,¡± Myrrh replied with a casual shrug. Then, with a sly grin, she continued, ¡°Besides, it actually works in my favor if we¡¯re seen together. I find new love letters stuffed in my locker every day, so if word gets out that I¡¯m with a hooligan like you, maybe my admirers will back off. In a way, you¡¯re the perfect pest repellent.¡±Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    ¡°I really can¡¯t comprehend the audacity of a bitch like you,¡± I scoffed, rolling my eyes as I tried to match her casual arrogance.


    ¡°It¡¯s a win-win situation for you, too,¡± Myrrh shot back, her lips curling into a confident smirk. ¡°You get to date a beautiful, proper woman like me. Now, you¡¯ve finally earned some bragging rights.¡± She gave a playful flick of her soft, wavy lime-blonde hair, the strands catching the fading sunlight and glowing like golden threads.


    ¡°Just how narcissistic are you?¡± I chuckled, shaking my head. I started walking again, pulling her along with me. ¡°Fine, then. I¡¯ll walk you all the way to the girl¡¯s dormitory lobby.¡±


    Her smile brightened, and she responded by tightening her grip on my hand, holding it as if she never wanted to let go. We strolled towards the girl¡¯s dormitory building, our pace slowing to an almost leisurely crawl, as if neither of us was in any hurry to reach the end of our time together.


    With every step, something gnawed at the back of my mind. The warmth of her hand contrasted sharply with the icy knot that still sat in my stomach¡ªthe unease that had never quite left me since that encounter with Ismail. Myrrh¡¯s teasing, her banter, even her infuriating confidence¡­ it was all beginning to make sense. I had to say something.


    ¡°Thank you, Myrrh,¡± I mumbled, the words tumbling out before I had a chance to second-guess them. My cheeks burned, and I knew my face was flushed.


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Myrrh tilted her head, her eyes wide and innocent, like she had no idea what I meant. Her smile didn¡¯t fade, but it softened around the edges.


    ¡°I know you¡¯re doing this hand-holding thing and all the teasing just to calm my nerves,¡± I said, my voice low and steady. I glanced down at our intertwined fingers, then back up at her face. ¡°You were worried about me¡ªworried because of that mysterious Ismail guy who¡¯s been breathing down my neck. You probably noticed how my hands were shaking even after that poker game. I don¡¯t understand everything that¡¯s going on, and I know it¡¯s bigger than me... bigger than anything I can handle right now. So you¡¯ve been flirting, taunting, and annoying me to distract me, to push the fear to the back of my mind.¡±


    My words hung in the air, and I held my breath, waiting for her to respond, wondering if she would laugh it off or deny it. But in the fading light, with her hand still wrapped around mine, I saw the faintest hint of surprise in her eyes¡ªfollowed by a knowing smile.


    Myrrh let out a long, exhausted sigh, but there was a glimmer of satisfaction in her eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t overthink it. That Ismail guy has a way of getting under your skin, but honestly? He¡¯s probably just another nutcase,¡± she said with a casual shrug, though her gaze remained serious. ¡°We can always ask Agent Feena Arcaliburn about him. She¡¯d probably know more.¡±


    ¡°Oh, good idea!¡± I said, snapping my fingers as if the solution had been right there all along. ¡°You¡¯ve got her contact info, right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll set up a group chat with the three of us,¡± Myrrh replied, her expression brightening a bit. ¡°But first, hand me that Red Meteor picture that weirdo left behind. We might need it.¡±


    Reluctantly, I let go of her hand, feeling the absence of warmth as my fingers slipped away. I reached into my pocket and pulled out the faded photograph of the Red Meteor Frame Unit, the mysterious image Ismail had taunted us with. Myrrh took it and tucked it carefully into her shoulder bag, her movements precise and deliberate.


    As we stood there, I suddenly noticed that we had reached the entrance of the girl¡¯s dormitory. A few girls were gathered around the lobby, their curious eyes fixated on us. Some were whispering to each other, cheeks flushed with excitement; others simply stared, wide-eyed and blushing. The air felt charged, and I could feel the weight of their stares pressing against my back.


    ¡°I guess this is where I bow out,¡± I said with a nervous chuckle, scratching the back of my head in an attempt to appear casual. ¡°Goodbye, Myrrh.¡±


    ¡°Okay! Keep in touch!¡± she called back, her voice light and cheerful. She waved, her smile so bright and genuine that it seemed to push back the shadows of the day.


    At that moment, with the golden light of dusk framing her figure, I felt a pang of something deep and undeniable¡ªa warmth that spread through my chest like wildfire. Myrrh looked so adorable, so genuinely happy, that I realized with a jolt of panic... I was afraid I had fallen in love.


    Not. I refuse to admit that I have slight feelings for that bitch.


    <><><>


    Night had already settled in, casting deep shadows over the campus, the moonlight spilling in silvery beams through my dorm room window. After a quiet dinner in the cafeteria with Neil and Remuel, I felt drained. My legs ached, and my mind was too foggy to focus on anything serious, so I trudged back to my room and flopped face-first onto my bed, the mattress creaking under my weight. Tomorrow was Sunday, which meant a break from studying, but even gaming felt like too much effort tonight. Instead, I grabbed my phone and started aimlessly scrolling through social media, watching random videos to unwind.


    Just as I was beginning to doze off, my phone vibrated sharply in my hand, jolting me awake. A new notification popped up on the screen, and I saw that I''d been added to a group chat. It was Myrrh and Agent Feena. I sat up a little straighter, curiosity piqued, and opened the chat.


    I decided to play the silent observer, my thumb hovering over the screen as Myrrh took the lead in the conversation.


    Myrrh: Agent Feena, we have an update about the Frame Unit you were after.


    Myrrh: Apparently, it¡¯s called the Red Meteor.


    There was a moment of silence as Myrrh uploaded the picture¡ªthe one we¡¯d gotten earlier. The grainy image of the Red Meteor Frame Unit appeared in the chat, and immediately, the typing indicator blinked. My eyes stayed glued to the screen.


    Agent Feena: Where did you get that picture? And whose handwriting is that?


    Myrrh: A person gave it to us earlier. His name is Ismail Arondight.


    There was a pause, and then Agent Feena¡¯s reply hit like a punch.


    Agent Feena: (¡ã¥í¡ã) !


    Agent Feena: This Ismail Arondight¡­ Does he look like some middle-aged pale thin man, for instance?


    I couldn¡¯t help but let out a snort at the comparison. I can''t believe Agent Feena is using text-style emojis. Myrrh¡¯s reaction followed almost instantly.


    Myrrh: (?0?)!!


    Myrrh: You know him?


    I could feel the atmosphere shift, the air around me growing colder as Agent Feena¡¯s next messages poured in.


    Agent Feena: He is one of the most wanted cyber criminals here in Xyraxis!


    Agent Feena: Are you guys okay?


    Agent Feena: Next time you meet this guy, call me immediately!


    Agent Feena: He is a dangerous terrorist who is a part of the extremist group called the Neo Terrestrial Reich!


    My grip on the phone tightened. I could feel my pulse quicken as I reread those lines. A cyber criminal¡ªa terrorist, no less¡ªhad crossed our path today, and I had been completely unaware of just how deep this all went. The realization settled like a stone in my stomach, heavy and cold.

 Chapter 35 - Pranks and Rings

    Chapter 35 - Pranks and Rings


    Sunday is meant to be my day of rest, my little slice of peace in a chaotic week. Most Sundays, you¡¯d find me sprawled on my bed, phone in hand, playing mobile games with old high school buddies¡ªsometimes joined by Neil and Remuel. But today was different.


    Agent Feena called us in first thing in the morning, just as the clock hit eight. The timing was cruel, especially since I¡¯d been up until two playing games. The lack of sleep was a heavy weight pressing down on me, leaving me bleary-eyed and sluggish, my energy drained to the dregs.


    Myrrh didn¡¯t seem to be faring much better. She slouched beside me on the sofa in the investigations office, her usual polished appearance slightly disheveled. A single rebellious cowlick jutted from her lime-green hair¡ªa rare sight, given how meticulous she usually was. Dark shadows under her eyes betrayed her exhaustion, making her look uncharacteristically fragile.


    Agent Feena, on the other hand, radiated sharp efficiency. She handed us steaming cups of coffee, her movements precise and deliberate. She settled into a nearby sofa, crossing her legs gracefully, her eyes scanning us with practiced scrutiny. Her expression softened as she smiled, though there was a glint of steel beneath the warmth.


    Between sips of the bittersweet coffee, Myrrh and I recounted the events of the previous day in painstaking detail. Feena listened intently, her fingers tracing the rim of her cup as her gaze flickered between us.


    ¡°Project HUSBANDO, huh¡­¡± she murmured, her voice low and contemplative. Her eyes narrowed slightly as if searching her memory. ¡°That project was real, but it¡¯s ancient¡ªdating back to the early days of humanity¡¯s technological ascent. It¡¯s even older than the creation of WAIFUs, predating Xyraxis itself.¡±


    Myrrh tightened her grip on her cup, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°So Ismail was telling the truth. But¡­ that¡¯s all. He seemed more curious about Zaft than anything else. No threats, no demands¡ªjust poker and small talk.¡±


    Feena leaned back, her gaze thoughtful. ¡°He may be chasing the Red Meteor¡ªthe very thing I¡¯ve been tracking. But make no mistake: Ismail is as dangerous and wanted as that Frame Unit.¡±


    Her words hung heavy in the air. I frowned, my curiosity getting the better of me. ¡°You said he¡¯s a wanted terrorist. It¡¯s my first time hearing his name. What did he do?¡±


    Feena tilted her head slightly, the faintest shadow crossing her face. The answer was coming, and I could tell it would be more than I bargained for.


    ¡°He¡¯s a master hacker,¡± Agent Feena began, her tone measured but tinged with gravity. ¡°His cybernetic implants¡ªespecially his eyes¡ªare his most potent tools. Through them, he encodes complex computer commands faster than most can type a single sentence. He was the orchestrator of the infamous cybersecurity breach that shook the world¡¯s greatest superpowers¡ªAmerica, Russia, China. Hundreds of thousands of classified documents stolen in one fell swoop. But no leaks ever followed, no demands made. Since there was no tangible fallout, the governments swept it under the rug, burying the incident from public view.¡±


    I rubbed my chin thoughtfully, piecing together the implications. ¡°Maybe that¡¯s how he learned about Project HUSBANDO. But¡­ why would he share that with me?¡±


    Agent Feena¡¯s piercing gaze locked onto mine, and her next words sent a chill down my spine. ¡°Tell me¡ªare you, in any way, a lab rat who escaped from the project?¡±


    ¡°W-What?¡± The air seemed to freeze around me as fear tightened its grip. ¡°Of course not! I had a normal childhood! A normal life! I even had an eventful high school!¡±


    Her expression hardened, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. ¡°What if those memories aren¡¯t yours?¡± she pressed, her voice cold and relentless. ¡°What if they were planted? Fabrications designed to keep you unaware? The cybernetic genome experiments were notorious for warping a male test subject¡¯s mind. That¡¯s precisely why the procedure was banned for male humans¡ªit¡¯s far too dangerous. But what if¡­¡± Her voice dropped to a near-whisper, every word cutting like a blade. ¡°What if you¡¯re one of them?¡±


    Her question hung in the air, suffocating and inescapable. My heart pounded in my chest, a frantic rhythm of denial and uncertainty. Could it be true? Were my memories my own, or was there a deeper truth lurking beneath the surface?


    A chill ran down my spine, spreading like ice through my veins. My hand trembled slightly as I raised it, the motion betraying the turmoil inside me. If everything in my mind was nothing more than an illusion¡ªa construct¡ªI wouldn¡¯t even know what was real anymore. The thought clawed at my sanity, gnawing at the edges of my perception. Could this explain why I¡¯d seen the Machine God? Why I had access to the Weapons of Mass Destruction Series in the WEEB System?


    I shifted my gaze to Myrrh. Her expression mirrored Agent Feena¡¯s, a sharp, piercing glare that sent another shiver through me. They were both looking at me like I was¡­ broken. Like a patient in need of urgent care¡ªor worse, someone teetering on the edge of madness. My skin prickled as a bead of cold sweat traced a slow path down my cheek.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    Then, without warning, Myrrh snorted. ¡°Pfft!¡±


    Her laughter exploded like a firecracker, and Agent Feena wasn¡¯t far behind. ¡°Hahaha!¡± she burst out, leaning forward to ruffle my hair with a grin.


    ¡°You should have seen your face!¡± Myrrh cackled, slapping my shoulder repeatedly between gasps of laughter. ¡°Hahaha!¡±


    I blinked, completely thrown off. ¡°Wait¡­ so I¡¯m not a HUSBANDO?¡±


    ¡°Of course not, idiot!¡± Myrrh wiped a tear from her eye, still grinning. ¡°I¡¯ve known you since high school. Your memories are real, dumbass.¡± She leaned in and tousled my hair like I was some clueless puppy. ¡°We got you good, huh?¡±


    My jaw tightened, and I shot them both a withering glare. ¡°I hope you two die.¡±


    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t look at me.¡± Feena held up her hands in mock surrender, her laughter subsiding into a sly smile. ¡°This was Myrrh¡¯s idea. She messaged me last night to plan the whole thing.¡±


    I turned to Myrrh, my glare icy and unwavering. ¡°I hope you die again. For good this time.¡±


    ¡°There, there, don¡¯t be so dramatic, Zaft,¡± Myrrh cooed, patting my head like a child who¡¯d lost a game. ¡°No need to hold a grudge. I just wanted to lighten the mood. You¡¯ve been so tense since yesterday.¡±


    ¡°Lighten the mood?¡± I groaned, brushing her hand away. ¡°Screw off.¡±


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t be such a sourpuss.¡± She grinned, clearly reveling in her victory. ¡°We just wanted to see you crack a little. And, boy, did you!¡±


    I leaned back into the sofa, my arms crossed and my pride in shambles. At least the weight of yesterday had eased¡­ even if it came at my expense.


    Myrrh was getting frighteningly good at playing with my emotions. Yesterday, she¡¯d managed to twist my fear into a flicker of infatuation with a simple gesture¡ªholding my hand. Then she¡¯d annoyed me with her usual teasing, and now she¡¯d elevated it to full-blown anger by dragging Agent Feena into a prank. My emotional bandwidth felt stretched to its limits, and frankly, I didn¡¯t have any space left to be scared of a cyber terrorist like Ismail Arondight.


    ¡°Anyway¡­¡± Agent Feena leaned back into the sofa, crossing her arms with a measured calm that only she could manage. ¡°We¡¯re still piecing things together, but given his track record, there¡¯s a high chance Ismail was behind the Xyraxis blackout. How he managed to shut down the Archonlight Tower and lure the Cosmic Beast to this city is still a mystery. But the evidence¡ªthe picture of the Red Meteor he left with you two¡ªmakes his involvement likely.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ a dangerous person,¡± I muttered, the weight of her words settling uneasily in my chest. ¡°I certainly hope we¡¯ll never meet again.¡±


    For once, Myrrh stopped playing around. She released my hair and sat up straight, her posture shifting into something refined, almost regal. The playful mischief in her eyes dimmed, replaced by a quiet seriousness.


    ¡°If only you could get your licenses sooner,¡± Agent Feena said, her gaze lingering on us thoughtfully. ¡°I¡¯d love to have you both on my team. So, make sure you win that tournament and secure your licenses.¡±


    ¡°Consider it done,¡± Myrrh replied with a confident smirk, raising her coffee cup in a mock toast before taking a delicate sip.


    I sighed, slumping into the cushions. ¡°I¡¯d honestly prefer to avoid agents, terrorists, and whatever cosmic disasters are waiting around the corner. But since I¡¯m apparently the target, I guess I don¡¯t have much of a choice. Sticking around is probably the safest option for now.¡±


    The room fell into a momentary stillness, the air heavy with unspoken resolve. Myrrh¡¯s usual lightheartedness seemed to linger just beneath the surface, but for now, she mirrored my apprehension. Feena, meanwhile, radiated a sense of quiet determination, a steadiness that made the chaos swirling around us feel¡ªif only slightly¡ªmore manageable.


    Agent Feena¡¯s smile widened as she stood and walked gracefully to a nearby drawer. She opened it with a faint metallic click, pulling out a small, intricately designed box. Returning to us, she carefully lifted the lid, revealing two sleek, metallic silver rings that glinted under the room¡¯s soft light.


    ¡°W-Whoa, they¡¯re beautiful!¡± Myrrh¡¯s eyes sparkled with delight, her voice barely above a whisper.


    ¡°These,¡± Agent Feena began, her tone professional, ¡°are SOS signal rings issued to KAWAII agents. I¡¯m lending them to you two for emergencies. Should you come into contact with Ismail Arondight or the Red Meteor Frame Unit, spin the ring clockwise twice, counterclockwise once, and then clockwise once more. That will transmit an SOS signal directly to WAIFU agents, who will rush to your location.¡±


    Without hesitation, Myrrh and I each took a ring. I slid mine onto the ring finger of my left hand. The moment it settled in place, the ring adjusted itself with a smooth, cybernetic shift, molding perfectly to fit. My fascination with Xyraxis tech only grew¡ªit never failed to amaze me how advanced even the smallest gadgets were here.


    ¡°Hey, Zaft,¡± Myrrh¡¯s voice broke my thoughts.


    ¡°What now?¡± I grumbled, glancing at her. The sight stopped me in my tracks. Her cheeks were puffed out adorably, flushed with a rosy blush, and her eyes were half-lidded in a mix of sass and something¡­ softer.


    ¡°A gentleman should always put a ring on a proper lady¡¯s finger,¡± she said, her tone haughty, though there was a slight tremor in her voice that betrayed her bravado.


    ¡°I¡¯m not your nanny! You can put that ring like a normal teenager! What are you, twelve?¡± I shot back, trying to shake off whatever strange atmosphere she was creating.


    ¡°Yes. Twelve out of ten.¡± She smirked, tossing her hair over her shoulder dramatically. ¡°Now, hurry up and put a ring on my finger. You shouldn¡¯t keep a beautiful lady like me waiting.¡± Her usual arrogance shone through, but then, with a quieter voice and a hint of vulnerability, she added, ¡°Please.¡±


    I sighed, a mix of exasperation and something unnameable settling in my chest. Carefully, I picked up the other ring and reached for her left hand. Her fingers trembled slightly as I slid the ring onto her ring finger. Like mine, it morphed seamlessly to fit, the glow of its adjustments casting a soft shimmer on her hand.


    For a moment, the room felt too quiet. Myrrh¡¯s gaze lingered on the ring, her usual smugness replaced by a gentle smile that sent my heart stumbling.


    Was it just me, or did that feel like¡­ a proposal?

 Chapter 36 - Atomic Fart

    Chapter 36 - Atomic Fart


    It was another day for our practical tests, and once again, Professor Bao had gathered us in the simulation room. The sterile, metallic walls loomed around us, and a faint hum from hidden machinery buzzed in the background, adding to the tension that clung to the air.


    For our batch, stepping into this room was a reminder of past disasters¡ªdisasters that had names: Cindy and Remuel. Each of us instinctively kept our distance, casting wary glances at the notorious duo. Even Professor Bao, normally poised and unflappable, had subtly retreated to the corner, her eyes fixed on the floor as if avoiding eye contact might lessen the impending chaos.


    ¡°W-why are you looking at us like we¡¯re contagious or something?¡± Cindy''s voice cracked the uneasy silence. She crossed her arms defensively, a nervous edge in her tone.


    ¡°Y-you know... we just don¡¯t want anything exploding and messing up our hair,¡± Myrrh said, forcing a tense smile that did little to hide her apprehension. She tugged a strand of her green-blonde hair, as if remembering the last time it had been singed.


    ¡°Hey, it¡¯s not my fault that my Ultimate is a self-destruct button!¡± Cindy snapped, her face flushing. ¡°Blame Remuel for hitting the button in the first place!¡±


    ¡°I-I was only following the Professor¡¯s orders!¡± Remuel¡¯s face turned ashen, his voice a high-pitched whine. He shot an accusatory glance at Professor Bao, who remained silent, hugging the wall as if it offered some sort of sanctuary.


    ¡°Now, now, settle down, students,¡± Professor Bao¡¯s voice cut in, barely hiding a tremor of unease. ¡°This is no time for arguments. My lesson is about to begin.¡± Yet she remained at a safe distance, her body angled slightly away, as if expecting a sudden blast.


    ¡°Seriously, it¡¯s all your fault, Professor,¡± Remuel muttered under his breath, but his words fell unheard, swept away by the buzzing sounds of the simulation equipment.


    Professor Bao, oblivious to the remark, cleared her throat and straightened. ¡°Listen up, WAIFUs and WEEBs. Midterm Exams are fast approaching, and this Clearance Level will be your second-to-last weapon unlock before you reshuffle to your next partners.¡± Her words echoed off the cold metal walls. ¡°This time, we¡¯ll be focusing on a heavy-type weapon, usually wielded with both hands of the Frame Unit.¡±


    With a few quick taps on her tablet, a soft chime sounded, and our WEEB Systems buzzed to life. A new set of data filled our displays, the words bright and crisp:


    [Weaponry Enhancement Engineering Bios]


    [Clearance ¨C Level 6]


    [Level 1 - Laser Sword]


    [Level 2 - Beam Rifle]


    [Level 3 - Light Shield]


    [Level 4 - Jetpack]


    [Level 5 - Ultimate]


    [Level 6 - Buster Sword]


    ¡°Buster Sword?¡± I muttered, my eyes narrowing as the name flashed on my screen. The letters hovered in mid-air, surrounded by a faint, digital glow. Myrrh leaned closer, the faint hum of her hologram interface thrumming between us. Her gaze flicked up to the shimmering 3D model of the weapon, its angular form rotating slowly.


    ¡°This feels kind of redundant with your Blade Wings, doesn¡¯t it?¡± I asked, glancing at her. The hologram¡¯s light cast a faint, bluish tint on Myrrh¡¯s face, making her green-blonde hair look like a cascade of luminescent ivy.


    She gave a thoughtful nod, her lips pressing into a line. ¡°The shape and size is different,¡± she murmured, studying the thick, menacing blade.


    "That''s what she said." I scoffed.


    Myrrh rolled her eyes and brushed my jokes off.


    ¡°WAIFUs, to the red line!¡± Professor Bao¡¯s voice rang out, slicing through the low murmur of conversation. ¡°Transform into your Frame Unit mode.¡±


    With a single, synchronized motion, the WAIFUs stepped to the glowing red line that bisected the room. They raised their morphers high, their faces set with determination, and as one, they shouted, ¡°Frame Unit, Awaken!¡± A flash of light burst forth, and in an instant, their human forms vanished, replaced by towering, gleaming robots. The metallic armor reflected the room¡¯s bright overhead lights, casting long, distorted shadows on the floor.


    ¡°Support units,¡± Professor Bao¡¯s voice had a steely edge, ¡°activate the Level 6 Weapon.¡±


    Heart pounding, I tapped the [Buster Sword] option on my interface, feeling a slight vibration in my fingertips as the system engaged. All around me, the other support units did the same, their eyes locked on the imposing figures of their partner WAIFUs. With a deep breath, I extended my hand, glowing circuits tracing up my wrist and across my palm. A soft, electric hum filled the air as energy crackled from our outstretched hands toward the waiting giants.


    ¡°Buster Sword, Equip!¡± we called out in unison.


    A swirling, cybernetic circle materialized beside each WAIFU, casting a neon-blue glow that flickered against their armor. Their hands shot forward, fingers outstretched, gripping the edge of the light as if pulling something from another dimension. With a synchronized motion, they drew out oversized Buster Swords¡ªblades as tall as the WAIFUs themselves. The swords gleamed with a cold, metallic luster, their razor-sharp edges outlined by a crackling line of blue laser light. At the tip of each blade, a sharpened steel point jutted out, gleaming dangerously in the dim simulation room.


    The sheer weight and bulk of the Buster Swords were apparent. The Frame Units, struggling to adjust to the weapon¡¯s heft, had to grasp the hilts with both hands. Steel fiber muscles tensed beneath their armor, servos whirring to maintain balance as the oversized blades settled into a battle-ready stance.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    ¡°Buster Swords are designed to tear through heavily armored opponents,¡± Professor Bao¡¯s voice echoed through the room, sharp and authoritative. ¡°These weapons pack immense power, but you¡¯ll have to sacrifice speed for strength. The steel tip is engineered to rip apart armor that deflects laser strikes, while the laser edge can cut through almost anything else.¡± She tapped a command on her tablet, and the sterile metal walls of the simulation room vanished, replaced by a sprawling holographic landscape¡ªa grassy plain that seemed to stretch endlessly beneath a digital sky.


    Suddenly, a massive hologram materialized¡ªa gigantic rhinoceros, eighteen meters tall, its body encased in thick, reinforced armor that shimmered like polished metal. It resembled a mechanized beast straight out of a nightmare, steam hissing from its nostrils as it pawed the ground, preparing to charge.


    ¡°For this drill, the dummy rhinos will rush your position,¡± Professor Bao instructed, her gaze fixed on the WAIFUs. ¡°Your task is to strike as many as possible using your Buster Swords. Support units, guide your partners using the minimaps. Now¡ªget ready!¡± She adjusted her glasses with a swift motion, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.


    The WAIFUs tightened their grips, shifting into a low stance, their swords angled toward the horizon like ancient samurai preparing for a deadly duel. Each blade pulsed with energy, casting long shadows across the virtual grass.


    ¡°Go!¡± Professor Bao blew her whistle, a sharp note that split the tension like a blade.


    The simulation roared to life. Hordes of holographic rhinoceros dummies barreled toward the WAIFUs, each moving at breakneck speeds¡ªat least one hundred kilometers per hour. Their immense, armored forms thundered across the plains, a stampede of steel and fury.


    ¡°Raaah! Gaaaah!¡± One of the Frame Units staggered under the weapon¡¯s weight, struggling to find the perfect swing.


    ¡°Owie!¡± Fei Xian, caught off balance by the force of her own swing, stumbled and crashed to the ground, the weight of the Buster Sword pulling her down. A cloud of holographic dust billowed up around her as she hit the grassy terrain, her sword digging into the earth with a heavy thud. She grunted, quickly scrambling to her feet, the holographic rhinos closing in fast.


    Meanwhile, Myrrh struggled to keep her balance, using the weight of her mechanical left foot to counterbalance the enormous Buster Sword held steady in her right. Her movements were calculated, the whir of servos and the hiss of hydraulics audible as she adjusted her stance.


    ¡°Yaaah! Horeyaaaah!¡± she cried, her voice strained with effort as she swung the massive blade. The edge of the sword crackled with energy, cutting cleanly through the carapace of the charging rhinoceros dummies. One, two, three¡ªeach blow split the armored hides with surgical precision. The thick steel tip cleaved effortlessly through the layers of reinforced metal plating, but the heaviness of the sword was clear in each slow, deliberate arc.


    ¡°Left! Right! Left! Left! Right! Center! Right!¡± I shouted, my eyes glued to the minimap as the next wave of dummies surged forward like a mechanical tide.


    Myrrh responded to each command instantly, pivoting and adjusting her weight with every strike, the powerful swings leaving a trail of blue afterglow in the air. Each rhinoceros crumbled under her blows, their armor tearing like pork chashu beneath the relentless force of the Buster Sword.


    Her balance was remarkable, a testament to her precise control over the bulky weapon. Maybe all that practice with her exaggerated assets¡ªthose ludicrously large boobs and round buttocks in her human form¡ªhad trained her sense of equilibrium better than anyone suspected.


    The sharp blast of a whistle cut through the chaos, signaling the end of the drill.


    ¡°The test is over!¡± Professor Bao¡¯s authoritative voice rang out. ¡°We have two top performers in this session! Myrrh Alicent and Cindy Florence, both scoring a perfect fifty points!¡±


    There was a shimmering flash of light as the Frame Units disengaged, and the WAIFUs returned to their human forms, shrinking back down to their familiar selves. Myrrh tossed her long, lime-green hair with a dramatic flick, a smug smile spreading across her face as our classmates crowded around her, showering her with praise. ¡°It''s just a basic skill,¡± she said airily, her tone oozing arrogance.


    By now, most of us had grown accustomed to Myrrh''s brazen self-confidence. It was hard to deny she had the skills to back it up, and despite her vanity, she was always approachable. Even I had developed a kind of immunity to her cockiness. As she walked over, I grinned and we slapped a quick high-five, her eyes glinting with satisfaction.


    But the real surprise of the test was Cindy. No one expected her to score a perfect fifty¡ªshe was usually average at best, often struggling with other challenges like the jetpack obstacle courses and the beam rifle target drills. There she stood, a bit awkward amidst the applause, her face flushed with a mix of pride and disbelief.


    For once, Myrrh wasn¡¯t the only star of the show. A new kind of respect hung in the air, and even Myrrh seemed to sense it, shooting Cindy a quick, appraising glance before her signature smirk returned.


    Cindy flicked her wavy crimson hair over her shoulder with a triumphant laugh. ¡°Hahaha! Praise me too!¡± she declared, her voice echoing with exaggerated pride. ¡°Wait¡ªwhy are you all still standing so far away from me?¡±


    ¡°Um, well¡­¡± Fei Xian¡¯s voice was barely more than a whisper, her cheeks flushing as she stepped forward. ¡°We might actually be scared that you¡¯ll... you know... explode again out of happiness.¡± She shuffled her feet nervously, glancing away.


    ¡°Yeah, exactly,¡± chimed in another WAIFU, eyeing Cindy with mock caution. ¡°I¡¯d rather not get blasted with smoke just because you passed this time.¡±


    ¡°Seriously, Cindy, cut it out. Your head¡¯s getting so big it might explode,¡± teased another student, trying¡ªand failing¡ªto suppress a grin.


    I couldn¡¯t help but notice how stale my classmates'' comments were, so I decided to step in, my own smile widening. If there was ever a moment to lighten the mood, this was it.


    ¡°Great job on acing the test, Atomic Fart!¡± I shouted, raising my voice so everyone could hear. ¡°We were completely blown away!¡±


    The room erupted in laughter. Even Professor Bao, usually composed and stern, let out a soft, disbelieving scoff.


    ¡°Hey! Who said that?¡± Cindy¡¯s eyes flared, her cheeks turning crimson to match her hair. She rolled up her sleeves with a determined look, all traces of her earlier laughter vanishing. ¡°I¡¯m gonna kill whoever said that!¡± She marched straight to Neil, her movements full of tomboyish bravado, and grabbed him by the collar. ¡°Was it you, you stupid prick?¡±


    ¡°I-It¡¯s not me!¡± Neil stammered, his voice quivering with panic as he tried to shake his head.


    Cindy¡¯s eyes narrowed as she released him, her hands dropping to her sides with a huff. She spun around, voice rising in a loud, indignant shout. ¡°Who the hell said that? Give me that bastard¡¯s name!¡±


    ¡°It rhymes with ¡®daft!¡¯¡± Myrrh¡¯s voice rang out above the laughter, a mischievous glint in her eyes. She shot me a cheeky grin, sticking out her tongue with that smug, teasing expression I knew too well.


    I shot her a murderous look, but it was too late. Cindy¡¯s gaze snapped to me, and I could see the fire burning in her eyes as she stormed toward me. I turned to flee, panic surging through me, but her grip was faster than my feet. She caught me by the nape of my neck with a firm, unrelenting hand, halting my escape in an instant.


    ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going, you goon?¡± Cindy whispered, her breath hot against my ear, her voice low and dangerous, but a hint of playful menace lurked beneath the threat.

 Chapter 37 - Peroxide Clown

    Chapter 37 - Peroxide Clown


    ¡°Pffft! Ahahahaha!¡± Myrrh¡¯s high-pitched, teasing laughter rang through the narrow school corridor, bouncing off the locker-lined walls the instant she caught sight of my face.


    I grimaced, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks as I looked at my reflection in the glass window. My normally neat, maybe-handsome face was now a mess, marred by thick smears of lipstick that twisted into a garish clown''s grin. Swirls looped over my eyebrows, and to make it worse, a crude, unmistakable penis-shaped doodle stood out prominently on my left cheek. I rubbed at the ink with my sleeve, but the drawings remained¡ªpermanent marker, just as I feared.


    ¡°Did Cindy really do this to you?¡± Myrrh gasped between fits of giggles, wiping tears from the corners of her eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ I think the look suits you! Maybe you should keep it¡ªmakes you look distinguished!¡± She snorted, struggling to hold back another round of laughter.


    ¡°Shut up, Myrrh. You totally sold me out,¡± I grumbled, crossing my arms and pouting like a sulking child.


    ¡°There, there.¡± With an amused smile, Myrrh reached up and patted my head, ruffling my hair as if I were a pet she was trying to comfort. Then, she rummaged in her shoulder bag and pulled out a thin folder stuffed with papers. ¡°Anyway, we¡¯ve got to get these application forms submitted for the licensure examination tournament.¡± She flashed the documents at me, her tone suddenly serious. ¡°Neil and Fei are waiting for us at the main faculty building.¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± I muttered, releasing a long, defeated sigh.


    As we stepped out of the shadowy academic building, the sun hit us with an unexpected warmth, and there they were¡ªNeil and Fei, standing just outside by the rose bushes. The moment Neil spotted me, his face lit up with unrestrained glee.


    ¡°Bwahahahahaha!¡± Neil''s deep, booming laughter echoed like a cartoon villain¡¯s, causing him to double over, gasping for air. He laughed so hard he began to choke, his face turning red as he pounded his chest.


    Fei, on the other hand, looked genuinely concerned. Her brow furrowed as she approached cautiously, her black long hair catching the sunlight. ¡°Um, Zaft¡­ Are you alright?¡± she asked softly, her eyes darting nervously between me and the still-guffawing Neil.


    ¡°You call this okay? Try having a dick drawn on your cheek and see how you like it,¡± I snapped, my voice sharp with irritation.


    Fei''s eyes widened, her concern deepening. ¡°Are you really planning to walk all the way to the main faculty building looking like that?¡± she asked, her tone gentle but tinged with genuine worry. She kept glancing at the drawings on my face, her brows knitting together in distress.


    ¡°Why not?¡± Myrrh cut in, a mischievous smirk spreading across her lips. ¡°I think it suits you better. At least now you look less like a goon and more like a proper clown.¡± She crossed her arms and tilted her chin up, exuding a smug satisfaction.


    Fei, however, couldn''t shake her concern. She quickly rummaged through her bag and pulled out a packet of wet napkins. With careful, delicate movements, she poured a splash of rubbing alcohol onto one of them before holding it out to me. ¡°Here,¡± she offered, her expression earnest, a touch of sympathy in her gaze.


    ¡°T-thanks,¡± I mumbled, feeling a flicker of guilt settle in my chest. I took the damp napkin from her outstretched hand, avoiding eye contact as I began to scrub at my cheek. The permanent ink only faded slightly, leaving a faint ghost of the offensive doodle behind. The shame of my earlier snappishness gnawed at me¡ªFei didn¡¯t deserve that, especially not when she was trying to help.


    With the worst of the markings at least somewhat smudged, the four of us set off down the long path toward the main faculty building. The midday sun cast soft golden light on the concrete, and the murmur of students filled the air, echoing from every corner of the bustling campus. I could feel their eyes on me¡ªevery snicker, every curious glance, every barely stifled laugh was a needle prick against my pride. I was the unwilling center of attention, my face a grotesque billboard that turned heads as we passed.


    A group of girls walking by couldn¡¯t help themselves; they broke into giggles the moment they caught sight of me. My stomach tightened, and I forced my eyes forward, pretending not to notice. The laughter trailed after us like the ripple of a breeze, making my cheeks burn even hotter.


    ¡°I think you¡¯re the campus heartthrob now, Zaft,¡± Myrrh teased, a sly smile curling her lips. ¡°You¡¯re definitely turning heads with that handsome face of yours.¡±


    ¡°You really enjoy tormenting me, don¡¯t you?¡± I muttered, feeling my cheeks flush even redder under her amused gaze.


    ¡°Yep, yep!¡± Myrrh¡¯s laughter bubbled up again as she nodded enthusiastically. ¡°But you have to admit, it¡¯s your own fault. You shouldn¡¯t have gone and insulted Cindy in front of everyone like that. You got exactly what was coming to you.¡± She shrugged with a playful grin, clearly relishing my discomfort.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ you¡¯re not wrong,¡± I sighed, my voice barely a whisper as I continued scrubbing at my cheek with the alcohol-dampened napkin. Each swipe seemed to sting a little more, but I forced myself to ignore it. I could feel Myrrh¡¯s eyes on me, watching my every move, until finally, she stopped walking and grabbed my wrist.


    ¡°Wait,¡± she said, her voice suddenly serious, her fingers cool against my skin.


    ¡°What is it?¡± I asked, taken aback by the sudden shift in her demeanor.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    ¡°Your face is getting really red,¡± Myrrh said, concern softening her usually playful expression. She leaned closer, examining me with a furrowed brow. ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re not having an allergic reaction to the alcohol?¡±


    Now that she mentioned it, a faint burning sensation prickled across my cheeks. ¡°Actually¡­ yeah, it does sting. A lot,¡± I admitted, lowering the napkin and wincing slightly.


    Neil and Fei, who had been walking a few steps ahead, both turned to look at me, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and alarm. Neil¡¯s usual grin faltered as he glanced at my blotchy, irritated face, while Fei¡¯s eyes widened in surprise.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Fei gasped, reaching into her shoulder bag with a flurry of movement. After rummaging for a moment, she pulled out a small green bottle and held it up triumphantly. ¡°Here, use this instead!¡± But just as she was about to hand it to me, she hesitated, frowning as she squinted at the label. ¡°Wait¡­ this isn¡¯t regular alcohol. It''s Agua Oxigenada-¡±


    ¡°Let me see that!¡± Myrrh exclaimed, snatching the bottle from Fei¡¯s trembling hands. She examined the label, her eyes widening as realization dawned. ¡°This isn¡¯t alcohol¡ªit¡¯s hydrogen peroxide! You use it to clean wounds, not skin! ¡®Agua Oxigenada¡¯ is just the Spanish name for hydrogen peroxide!¡± Her voice wavered with alarm.


    ¡°W-what!?¡± I shouted, my gaze snapping to Fei. A mix of betrayal and disbelief churned in my stomach. ¡°I thought I was too harsh with you earlier, but it turns out you¡¯re way harsher! I even felt bad about making snarky comments!¡±


    ¡°I-it was an accident! I swear!¡± Fei cried, her face paling as she clasped her hands together in a desperate gesture. ¡°Please, Zaft, I¡¯m so sorry! I didn¡¯t know!¡±


    ¡°Now that I think of it,¡± Neil cut in, rubbing his chin thoughtfully, ¡°I did notice your face was bubbling a little when you used it.¡±


    ¡°You saw my skin fizzing and didn¡¯t say anything!?¡± I shouted, my voice cracking with a mix of frustration and panic.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry, Zaft! I¡¯m really, really sorry!¡± Fei¡¯s voice trembled as she bowed repeatedly, her eyes shining with guilt and unshed tears. ¡°I thought it was just a fancy brand of alcohol! I didn¡¯t mean to hurt you!¡±


    Myrrh stepped closer, her expression tense with urgency. ¡°You need to wash that off. Now! Go to the nearest lavatory¡ªquick!¡±


    ¡°Shit!¡± I cursed, biting down hard on my lip to distract myself from the burning sting spreading across my cheeks. Panic pulsed through me as I bolted down the hall, feeling Myrrh¡¯s and Fei¡¯s worried eyes following me.


    Bursting into the nearest lavatory, I rushed to the sink, twisting the faucet handle so hard the cold water sprayed out in a torrent. Without hesitating, I plunged my face into the stream, the icy water offering a brief, blissful relief from the fiery sensation. I splashed handful after handful onto my skin, rubbing with desperate, rough motions as if I could scrub away my embarrassment along with the stinging pain.


    Gradually, the burning dulled, fading until it was nothing but a faint irritation. The lipstick and some of the stubborn marker lines had dissolved under the assault, leaving faint, smudged traces behind. Panting, I leaned against the sink, my hair dripping and the cool water pooling on the counter around me. Relief washed over me, mixed with exhaustion and a lingering ache of humiliation.


    After about ten minutes of relentless scrubbing, I decided my face had had enough punishment. The redness still lingered across my cheeks, a sharp contrast to my normally pale skin, making me look like I had a permanent blush. I took a deep breath, tried to shake off the lingering humiliation, and headed to the faculty room.


    Luckily, the registration line wasn¡¯t too long. My heart eased a bit when I saw Myrrh at the front, waving at me with exaggerated enthusiasm. I made my way over, my steps heavy with lingering frustration, and she handed me my application papers without missing a beat.


    ¡°Took you long enough,¡± she said, her tone half-joking, half-serious. ¡°I was beginning to think we¡¯d finish up before you even showed your face again.¡±


    ¡°These things wouldn¡¯t have happened if you hadn¡¯t sold me out,¡± I muttered, feeling the familiar resentment bubble up again.


    Myrrh rolled her eyes dramatically, flicking her long lime-green hair over her shoulder with a flourish. ¡°You¡¯re like a broken record, you know that?You sold me out, you sold me out,¡± she mimicked, her voice rising in pitch. ¡°Can¡¯t you just get over it and act mature for once? You''re repeating yourself.¡±


    I narrowed my eyes and parroted back in a sing-song tone, ¡°YoU¡¯Re repEatiNg yOurSelf. YoU¡¯rE rePeaTinG yOurSelF.¡± I smirked, finally stepping into the queue, enjoying the way Myrrh¡¯s expression twisted with a mix of exasperation and amusement.


    Ahead of us, Fei and Neil were nearing the registration desk, their forms in hand. They moved through the process quickly¡ªsigning papers, flashing strained smiles for their ID photos, and finishing with relative ease. Myrrh went next, striking a confident pose when the camera flashed. Then it was my turn.


    The faculty supervisor overseeing registration was a striking figure¡ªa person of indeterminate gender with a slim build, clad in a fitted red jacket that hugged their frame. A tall, rainbow-colored pompadour sat atop their head, like a defiant splash of neon against the dull backdrop of the faculty office. The rings and bracelets jingled with every slight movement, and colorful pins decorated their lapels. I hesitated, not wanting to make a wrong assumption, so I settled on the safest option¡ªneutral.


    ¡°Zaft Callahan,¡± they said, barely glancing up as they flipped through my application papers. Then, they did a double-take, pausing to examine my ID. With a raised eyebrow, they lowered their heart-shaped shades and leaned in close, squinting as if unsure whether to believe what they were seeing. ¡°Is this really you?¡± they asked, their tone hovering somewhere between confusion and amusement.


    ¡°I, uh... lost a bet,¡± I said dryly, gesturing vaguely to my blotchy face. ¡°So, my face was... sexually assaulted by some very creative doodles.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I get that all the time. Bukkake party, right?¡± The supervisor¡¯s lips curved into a knowing grin, and they slid another stack of paperwork in my direction. ¡°Just sign here... and here.¡± Their colorful rings clinked as they tapped each signature line with a manicured nail. ¡°When you¡¯re done, step over to the photo booth for your profile picture.¡±


    I let out a resigned sigh, scrawling my signature in the designated spots. There was no way I¡¯d argue or draw more attention to myself. With a final, reluctant glance at the supervisor¡¯s rainbow pompadour¡ªwhich seemed to shimmer mockingly under the fluorescent lights¡ªI made my way to the photo booth.


    The booth¡¯s lights were glaring and unforgiving, highlighting every humiliating detail of my face. My cheeks were still red from the scrubbing, the faint, smudged remnants of permanent marker trailing across my skin like the aftermath of a failed disguise. Lipstick stains formed uneven blotches around my mouth, and the reddish rashes added a splotchy texture that looked even worse under the harsh flash. When the camera shutter clicked, I couldn¡¯t help but wince internally. The digital preview on the screen showed exactly what I had feared¡ªa clownish caricature, with my splotchy face glaring back at me.


    As I stepped out of the booth, I couldn¡¯t shake the sinking feeling in my stomach. The profile picture was going to be my official tournament ID, and I had a terrible suspicion they might flash it up on the jumbotron for everyone to see. The thought made my face burn even hotter, though this time from embarrassment rather than irritation. Great, I thought, just what I needed¡ªa stadium-sized humiliation.

 Chapter 38 - Dianca Fritz

    Chapter 38 - Dianca Fritz


    After the tournament registration photo was taken, I reunited with my squad in the hallway. Myrrh, Fei, and Neil stood together, their attention fixed on the far end of the corridor. In fact, it wasn¡¯t just them¡ªevery student in line seemed captivated, their gazes locked with growing anticipation. Whispers rippled through the crowd like a low current, charged with excitement.


    ¡°Is that Dianca Fritz?¡± Neil muttered, his tone a mix of curiosity and awe.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Myrrh replied with a faint smile, her eyes glinting knowingly.


    At the corridor¡¯s far edge, she appeared¡ªa tall, graceful figure who seemed to command the air itself. Dianca Fritz, a blue-haired beauty, stepped forward with a poise that bordered on ethereal. Her long, wavy hair shimmered as it caught the light, bouncing lightly with every elegant stride. Her emerald eyes, luminous and star-like, held a magnetic quality that drew every gaze. She wore the standard gray uniform with a pleated skirt, yet on her, it seemed tailor-made for royalty, accentuating her presence in a way no one else could match.


    ¡°Whoa! Dianca! It¡¯s Dianca Fritz!¡± one of the fanboys squealed, barely able to contain himself.


    ¡°Kyaaa! Dianca! Please notice me!¡± came the shrill cries of the fangirls, their voices teetering on the edge of hysteria.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be your dog, Dianca! Just sell us your bathwater!¡± a group of unashamed degenerates howled from the back, prompting groans of embarrassment from bystanders.


    Dianca responded with practiced grace, her smile warm and composed as she waved to the adoring crowd. Then her emerald gaze caught sight of us. Something in her expression changed¡ªher smile widened, bright and genuine, as if she¡¯d found something, or someone, she¡¯d truly been searching for.


    With a sudden burst of energy, she hop-skipped down the hallway, closing the distance between us in a matter of moments. Her excitement was unmistakable as she turned her focus to Myrrh.


    ¡°W-wait, aren¡¯t you the prodigy Mary Sue Myrrh Alicent?¡± Dianca asked, her voice trembling slightly, betraying her excitement.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Myrrh blinked, looking first at me, then at Neil and Fei, before her gaze finally returned to Dianca. A faint blush crept onto her cheeks, but she quickly straightened her posture, puffed out her chest, and gave a confident smile. ¡°That, I am,¡± she declared, her voice steady and proud.


    ¡°Cool! I¡¯ve always wanted to meet the prodigy WAIFU!¡± Dianca exclaimed, her emerald eyes sparkling as she clasped Myrrh¡¯s hands in hers. Her voice carried an unmistakable note of admiration. ¡°I¡¯ve heard so many stories about you excelling in every practical exam! And you¡¯re even more beautiful than the rumors say!¡±


    Myrrh returned the gesture with a soft, graceful smile, gently shaking Dianca¡¯s hands. ¡°And I¡¯m equally thrilled to meet the famous girl streamer, Dianca Fritz, in person! I¡¯ve been your fan ever since your debut!¡±


    ¡°Oh, really?¡± Dianca gasped, her cheeks flushing faintly with excitement. ¡°That¡¯s amazing because I¡¯m your fan, too! Your mother, Mirana Alicent, is my ultimate inspiration. She¡¯s the reason I dreamed of becoming a WAIFU in the first place!¡±


    ¡°And you¡¯re the one who introduced me to MOBA and FPS games,¡± Myrrh added, her voice light with enthusiasm.


    ¡°We should totally do a gaming livestream together sometime!¡± Dianca beamed, her energy as radiant as her smile. ¡°Fans would go wild seeing a pretty girl like you absolutely slay in online games!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d love that!¡± Myrrh replied with a soft laugh, her eyes shining with genuine delight. ¡°It would be so much fun!¡±


    I stood there, stunned, unable to wrap my head around what I was witnessing. Dianca Fritz¡ªthe Dianca Fritz¡ªwas standing here, practically glowing with excitement over meeting Myrrh Alicent. Shouldn¡¯t it be the other way around? Yet here they were, caught in a loop of mutual admiration, their words flowing like old friends reunited, even though this was their first encounter.


    The aura around them was dazzling¡ªalmost too dazzling. The way they laughed, their melodic voices bouncing off the corridor walls, created an overwhelming atmosphere of joy and warmth. It felt like standing in the presence of twin suns, their radiance pressing down on me.


    I had to avert my gaze. The sheer sunshine aura of these two beautiful girls chatting gleefully before me was too much. If I stared any longer, I was certain it would burn a hole through my very soul.


    ¡°U-um, Miss Dianca Fritz¡­ c-can I shake your hand?¡± Neil stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. His hands trembled slightly as he held them out, his cheeks flushed with nervous excitement.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Dianca turned to him with her signature warm smile. ¡°Of course!¡± she said, extending her hand gracefully.


    The moment their hands touched, Neil¡¯s entire body seemed to light up. His face contorted into an expression of pure euphoria, as though he had just experienced the pinnacle of human bliss. He even let out a quiet, involuntary moan, earning a raised eyebrow from Fei.


    ¡°U-um, can I get your a-a-autograph?¡± Fei Xian piped up, her voice small yet determined. She fumbled to open her Advanced Calculus notebook, holding it out with both hands as if it were a sacred offering.


    ¡°Absolutely!¡± Dianca replied with a cheerful nod, taking the notebook and signing it with a flourish, finishing with a small star.


    Fei¡¯s eyes widened, sparkling like gemstones. She gazed at the signature as if it were a masterpiece, her expression akin to a child witnessing a magician pull a rabbit from a hat.


    ¡°These are my friends,¡± Myrrh said, stepping forward with an air of calm confidence. ¡°This is Neil Orbeus, and his partner, Fei Xian. We¡¯re classmates and study buddies.¡±


    Neil and Fei bowed in unison, their movements stiff but sincere. ¡°It¡¯s an honor to meet you!¡± they chorused.


    ¡°Nice to meet you, too,¡± Dianca replied, her voice as dazzling as the aura she seemed to exude effortlessly.


    I watched all this unfold, feeling oddly detached from the overwhelming excitement radiating from my friends. Was I really the only one not starstruck by Dianca? Sure, she was undeniably beautiful and carried herself with the poise of a star, but if I had to compare¡­ Myrrh still had her beat. In my eyes, Dianca was a solid 9.5 out of 10, but Myrrh? She was a perfect 10. Maybe I was just biased¡ªor maybe I was just a hater. Livestreamer girls have always seemed overrated to me, their exaggerated personas dripping through the speakers like plastic honey.


    And then, finally, her emerald eyes landed on me.


    ¡°And you are?¡± Dianca asked, her gaze locking onto mine.


    I found myself locked in a gaze with Dianca¡¯s starry emerald eyes, each one glittering like a field of gems under the sun. In that instant, her radiant aura enveloped me, and my inner loser¡ªhidden deep beneath layers of cynicism¡ªtook control. Her beauty and charisma hit me like a wave, leaving me utterly dazed. My jaw refused to cooperate, frozen by the sheer warmth of her presence. She wasn¡¯t just beautiful; she exuded an approachable friendliness that softened her allure. Maybe I was wrong¡ªmaybe she did deserve a ten out of ten after all.


    Thankfully, Myrrh stepped in to save me from my awkward silence.


    ¡°He¡¯s Zaft Callahan,¡± Myrrh said, her voice steady and self-assured.


    Dianca tilted her head slightly, her gesture as adorable as it was inquisitive. ¡°Is he your goon?¡± she asked, her tone laced with genuine curiosity.


    And just like that, the spell was broken. The radiant aura that had dazzled me mere moments ago dissolved, and my admiration for her plummeted faster than a dropped matchstick. She went from a ten out of ten to a hard one out of ten in record time. I knew it¡ªpopular livestreamer girls were just not my thing.


    ¡°Pffft! Ahahahaha!¡± Myrrh suddenly burst out laughing, clutching her stomach as she doubled over. Her shoulders shook, and even her chest jiggled with the force of her mirth. ¡°You¡­ you nailed it, Miss Dianca! He is my goon!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not!¡± I shot back, my face flushing with indignation.


    Myrrh wiped tears of laughter from her eyes, her smile still radiant. ¡°Zaft is my partner,¡± she clarified, though the mischievous glint in her eyes suggested she wasn¡¯t entirely letting me off the hook. ¡°He may look like your average hooligan who drops common loot when defeated, but deep down, he¡¯s a reliable guy.¡±


    ¡°Oh, so he has layers?¡± Dianca asked, her voice so sweet and innocent that it felt like an unintentional jab.


    I straightened up, my face deadpan. ¡°I¡¯m a goddamn onion,¡± I replied, delivering the line with the dryest poker face I could muster.


    Dianca¡¯s emerald eyes locked onto mine, and then, without warning, she broke into laughter. ¡°Ahahahaha! You¡¯re funny!¡± she said, her voice ringing like chimes, bright and carefree.


    I frowned slightly, murmuring under my breath, ¡°I don¡¯t get what¡¯s funny about that.¡±


    Her laughter subsided, and she extended her hand with a radiant smile. ¡°Nice to meet you, Mister Zaft Callahan.¡±


    ¡°Nice to meet you too, Miss Dianca Fritz,¡± I replied, taking her hand for a firm handshake.


    I couldn¡¯t help but wonder why Neil had reacted so dramatically earlier, practically swooning over a handshake. Sure, Dianca was famous, but her hand was just soft and warm¡ªnothing extraordinary. If anything, it reminded me of Myrrh¡¯s hand, though the tingling sensation I felt when holding Myrrh¡¯s was stronger, more electrifying. Maybe I was just building up some kind of immunity to holding a girl¡¯s hand. Still, in that brief exchange, Dianca had managed to earn a sliver of my respect. Perhaps I¡¯d check out one of her videos tonight.


    ¡°By the way, I just noticed!¡± Dianca exclaimed suddenly, her expression lighting up with realization. ¡°Are you all joining the Licensure Examination Tournament? Have you submitted your forms?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we are, Miss Dianca,¡± Neil answered eagerly, his voice tinged with the unmistakable tone of a simp.


    ¡°Great! Then I¡¯ll be seeing you in the arena!¡± Dianca declared with an enthusiastic clap of her hands. ¡°I was invited by the university to host the entire tournament! So make sure you all pass the written exams, okay?¡± She punctuated her encouragement with a playful wink, and holographic sparkles showered around her like a special effect straight out of a livestream.


    ¡°We will!¡± Myrrh, Fei, and Neil chimed in unison, their voices brimming with determination.


    I just smiled faintly. Sunshine-drenched encouragement like that wasn¡¯t exactly my style, and I had no clue how to respond without sounding awkward.


    ¡°See you later then, Myrrh, Fei, Neil, and Zaft! Good luck!¡± Dianca said with a cheerful wave before turning and heading toward the entrance of the registration booth. She took a seat at one of the terminals, effortlessly slipping into her role as the event¡¯s host.


    As I watched her go, I couldn¡¯t help but wish she had been the one handling my registration earlier. Instead, I¡¯d been stuck with that overly smug metrosexual hipster, whose unnecessarily complicated explanations and fake smiles had drained every ounce of my patience.

 Chapter 39 - Colored Pens

    Chapter 39 - Colored Pens


    Another day of classes had drawn to a close, the bustling energy of the campus settling into a quieter hum. Our study group had grown¡ªRemuel and Cindy had joined us at the last minute, though it seemed they¡¯d hesitated at first, weighing their decision like one might an uncertain gamble. You see, the pair also registered for the Licensure Examinations Tournament in the very last hour, so they are still quite confused about the study circle thing.


    With six of us now, the cramped cafeteria tables no longer sufficed. We opted instead for the Library Building, its lofty halls known for housing long, sturdy rectangular tables perfect for larger groups. Climbing to the third floor, we found our spot among the hushed whispers and the faint scent of aged paper and wood polish that clung to the air. The floor was quieter than the others, the type of silence that invites focus and deters even the faintest of murmurs.


    As we settled in, unpacking textbooks and notes onto the smooth surface of the table, a familiar figure approached¡ªa spark of color in the muted library. She was none other than Dianca, the school¡¯s vibrant livestream idol, her long blue hair cascading like silk ribbons down her back, and her emerald eyes sparkling with lively curiosity.


    ¡°Oh!¡± Dianca¡¯s face lit up with the warmth of recognition. ¡°Myrrh! There you are!¡±


    ¡°Dianca!¡± Myrrh¡¯s eyes widened in delight as she waved, her voice carrying a soft, friendly cadence. ¡°Here!¡±


    Without hesitation, Dianca slipped into the vacant seat beside Myrrh, her arms laden with a small tower of books and notebooks. As she plopped them onto the table, the pile spilled outward like an avalanche. Among the chaos was an arsenal of colorful pens¡ªbright, mismatched hues that spoke of her artistic flair. When she set them down, some pens tumbled free, rolling and scattering like mischievous marbles. Most of them went under the table.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Dianca gasped, flustered, her hands fluttering in mild panic.


    ¡°I got it,¡± I offered quickly, already moving to crouch under the table. The cool surface of the floor met my knees as I searched. But the moment my gaze shifted from the pen, I realized something else had caught my attention¡ªa distraction I hadn¡¯t anticipated.


    You see, the university uniform for girls comes with pleated short skirts, and from my vantage point under the table, I had an unobstructed view of a rather... distracting landscape. On my right, Myrrh¡¯s milky white thighs were effortlessly eye-catching, smooth and radiant against the dim light under the table. Beside her were Dianca¡¯s pearly white legs, so pristine they seemed to glow. Yum. Shifting my gaze further to the left, I spotted Fei Xian¡¯s slender legs¡ªgraceful and perfectly proportioned. It struck me then: this was a view I wouldn¡¯t mind savoring for a while.


    But then there were Cindy¡¯s legs. Muscular, toned, and brimming with raw power, they seemed built for domination. Not to body shame her¡ªfar from it¡ªbut those legs looked capable of wrestling a bear into submission. The thought lingered for a moment, and I couldn¡¯t help but stifle a smirk.


    As I continued my pretense of searching for the pen, half-heartedly poking at shadows, the conversation above began to filter down.


    ¡°Everyone, this is Dianca Fritz,¡± Myrrh said, her voice as gentle as her demeanor. She shifted slightly, her legs crossing to the left in a casual motion that somehow drew my attention back to her. ¡°She asked to join our study group, so I decided to invite her as well.¡±


    ¡°I¡ªI¡¯m glad you could join us, Miss Dianca!¡± Fei Xian piped up, her voice carrying a sweet enthusiasm. From under the table, I caught a glimpse of her legs wiggling ever so slightly, as though she were too excited to sit still.


    ¡°The pleasure is all mine, Miss Fei,¡± Dianca replied warmly. Her legs, in contrast, shifted in a deliberate rhythm¡ªslightly opening and closing, as though emphasizing her words with subtle movements. ¡°I asked Myrrh to help me with my studies because, truth be told, I¡¯m struggling quite a bit. Advanced calculus has been giving me nightmares. I heard from her that you¡¯re amazing at it.¡±


    ¡°Ahaha! You flatter me, Miss Dianca,¡± Fei Xian replied, her voice tinged with modesty and a hint of pride. ¡°I still have a lot to learn myself, especially in History and Weaponry. Zaft here is amazing at those subjects, which is why I¡¯ve been asking for his help.¡± She glanced in my general direction, her legs crossing neatly, as if to reinforce her point.


    ¡°Oh, Zaft! That¡¯s right!¡± Dianca exclaimed, her emerald eyes lighting up as her legs wiggled in visible excitement. ¡°Wait¡ªwhere is he?¡±


    Right on cue, Myrrh shifted her position, swinging her legs beneath the table. One of her feet gently nudged my shoulder, pulling me out of my daze. She leaned down to peer under the table, her long lime-green long hair cascading over her shoulder. ¡°Hey, what¡¯s taking you so long?¡±


    ¡°N-nothing! I found it!¡± I blurted, hurriedly holding up the elusive blue pen I¡¯d recovered a few minutes earlier. Realizing my extended stay under the table was attracting unwanted attention, I scrambled to retreat, lifting my head¡ªonly for it to meet the unforgiving edge of the wooden table with a resounding thud.Stolen novel; please report.


    ¡°Ow!¡± I winced, rubbing the sore spot as I surfaced.


    ¡°Jeez, Zaft, what the heck were you doing under there?¡± Myrrh muttered, crossing her arms as she fixed me with a skeptical glare. Her voice was low, a whisper meant only for me. I managed a sheepish smile, hoping to deflect her suspicions.


    ¡°Here,¡± I said quickly, handing the pens to Dianca. The blue pen matched her vibrant energy¡ªand, well, something else I might have noticed during my unintended excursion. I also passed her a green pen that matched Myrrh¡¯s aesthetic in more ways than one, and an orange one for Fei Xian, whose sleek, powerful presence was as striking as the color.


    Yep, I''m talking about their respective underwears, discovered two feet below the table.


    ¡°Thanks!¡± Dianca clapped her hands together, her joy as bright as the pens now in her grasp. ¡°Now we can finally start!¡±


    The group settled back into their seats, papers rustling as notebooks were opened and pens clicked. But for me? Concentration was a distant dream. My thoughts refused to align with the formulas and equations scrawled across the pages. I shifted awkwardly in my chair, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. Studying? Yeah, that might take a while.


    <><><>


    Minutes passed in focused silence, the soft rustle of turning pages and the faint scratch of pens filling the space around us. My momentum was unstoppable¡ªequations flowed, notes were rewritten, and advanced calculus problems dissolved under the steady rhythm of my pen. Before long, Myrrh leaned toward me, her lime-green hair brushing the table¡¯s edge as she posed a question about one of the trickier calculus concepts.


    Fei and Cindy weren¡¯t far behind, peppering me with queries about the intricacies of pressure computations in weaponry. Their eyes, sharp and curious, darted between their notes and my explanations. Even Dianca, who had been relatively quiet, began to chime in, her emerald eyes wide with curiosity as she sought clarity across multiple subjects.


    Meanwhile, Neil was sprawled over his desk, his head buried in the crook of his arm, lost in a peaceful nap. On the other side of the table, Remuel was decidedly more awake but no more productive. He lounged casually, a manga propped up in his hands¡ªa rare find from the library¡¯s dusty, long-forgotten shelves. It was hard not to feel like the lone nerdy guy in this group, the de facto academic engine driving the rest forward.


    An hour slipped by before we even realized it. Our eyes burned from scanning lines of dense text, and our hands ached from the relentless grip of pens. The collective sigh of fatigue hung in the air as we finally dropped our pens and decided to take a break.


    Dianca stretched her arms above her head, a soft yawn escaping her lips before she turned to us. ¡°By the way,¡± she said, her curious gaze sweeping across the group, ¡°I just noticed¡ªaren¡¯t those Protocol 101 textbooks for second years?¡±


    ¡°Oh, this?¡± Myrrh held up her textbook, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. ¡°We heard that Protocol 101 is on the written licensure exams, so we¡¯re trying to get a head start.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Fei chimed in, her voice brimming with determination. She clenched her fists for emphasis, only for her expression to falter into a small frown. ¡°Unfortunately, these advanced books are... well, a lot. Only Zaft seems to understand them. So, we decided he could read the books and, you know... spoon-feed us the information.¡±


    ¡°FYI, you all still need to read the book yourselves,¡± I said, waving my hand dismissively. ¡°I just give you the pointers and the key things to memorize. I can¡¯t summarize every protocol in the entire book for you.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Zaft Sensei!¡± Fei exclaimed, snapping into a martial artist salute with theatrical flair. The next moment, Cindy and Myrrh joined in, mimicking her gesture with equal enthusiasm, their faces lighting up as though they¡¯d just been inducted into some secret dojo.


    I blinked at them, unsure whether to feel flattered or mildly offended. This wasn¡¯t the first time they¡¯d pulled this act, and every time they called me ¡°Sensei¡± and did that over-the-top salute, I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that they were poking fun at me. Myrrh, as usual, seemed to be the ringleader of their antics, her eyes glinting with mischievous delight. Still, I decided to let it slide. Better to let them have their fun than risk giving them more fuel for their teasing.


    ¡°Wow!¡± Dianca¡¯s voice broke through, her emerald eyes wide with admiration. ¡°It sounds like Zaft is really an amazing person!¡±


    ¡°Sometimes,¡± Myrrh chimed in, resting her chin lazily on her hand. Her lime-green hair fell like silk over her shoulder as she fixed me with a half-lidded gaze. ¡°But let¡¯s not forget¡ªhalf of his grades come from my achievements.¡±


    I cringed, leaning back in my chair as a wave of mock indignation washed over me. ¡°Can you, for once, let me bask in the glory of being praised solo?¡±


    Myrrh responded with a playful grin, sticking out her tongue¡ªa small, teasing gesture that made my heart stutter unexpectedly. She always had this way of blending sass with charm, and this moment was no different.


    Then, without warning, she bumped her shoulder gently against mine, her head tilting slightly toward me. Her voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper as she raised a hand to cover her mouth.


    ¡°By the way,¡± she said, her words almost a purr, ¡°I know what you did under the table.¡±


    A cold sweat trickled down my temple, and a shiver crept up my spine. ¡°W-what are you talking about?¡± I stammered, my voice an octave higher than intended.


    Myrrh leaned closer, her lime-green hair brushing against her shoulder as her narrowed blue eyes locked onto mine. ¡°Don¡¯t play innocent with me,¡± she said, her tone smooth but edged with playful accusation. ¡°I¡¯ve known you long enough to see right through you.¡±


    ¡°Again, I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about,¡± I shot back, attempting to keep my tone steady, though my nerves betrayed me.


    For a moment, she just stared at me, her gaze sharp and unyielding. Then, with a soft exhale, she withdrew, resting her chin on her hand once more. Her expression shifted into something unreadable, a cryptic smile curling at the corners of her lips.


    I let out a shaky breath, relieved the interrogation had ended¡ªfor now. But guilt weighed heavily on my chest. Myrrh knew. Somehow, she had pieced together the embarrassing truth of my earlier indiscretions under the table.


    These girls were my friends¡ªMyrrh, Fei, Cindy, and now Dianca too. They trusted me, included me in their world, and here I was, betraying that trust by indulging in such dishonorable thoughts. The memory of those fleeting glances at their thighs and the accidental (yet tantalizing) glimpse of their panties gnawed at my conscience.


    I closed my eyes for a moment, resolving to do better. To treat them with the respect they deserved.


    ...Though, a tiny mischievous voice in the back of my mind couldn¡¯t resist adding: Next time, I should¡¯ve used my camera.

 Chapter 40 - Boys Night

    Chapter 40 - Boys'' Night


    Our History Professor, Professor Gremus¡ªbetter known as Doctor G, a nickname he relished as it highlighted his hard-earned doctorate¡ªwas standing before us, his square-shouldered frame illuminated by the faint glow of the hologram presentation. He looked every bit the seasoned academic, with a head of neatly combed gray hair and an unmistakable air of authority. A pair of small speaker modules hung from his belt, their soft hum a testament to the devices¡¯ function: amplifying his voice to an authoritative boom perfect for commanding attention in a bustling lecture hall.


    Doctor G gestured towards the vibrant hologram, which displayed the shimmering contours of a planet bathed in blue and gold: Xyraxis. His voice rang clear, carrying a weight of reverence and history.


    ¡°When Xyraxis was created twenty years ago, humanity entrusted Duke Arcaliburn to spearhead the groundbreaking research into the planet¡¯s cyber-mystic properties,¡± he began, his tone infused with equal parts pride and awe. ¡°With the support of Treenity Innovations Corporation, they forged the Warfare Augmented Intelligent Frame Units¡ªrevolutionary mechs¡ªand from there, the intricate Weaponry Enhancement Engineering Bios system was born. It wasn¡¯t long before Duke Arcaliburn rose as the Kaiser of Xyraxis.¡±


    The hologram shifted with a fluid motion, zooming in on the spinning globe of Xyraxis until it revealed the intricate, glistening metropolis of Exestia. Animated sequences played, depicting the city¡¯s construction¡ªa breathtaking blend of futuristic skyscrapers and mystic-infused architecture. The presentation concluded with a towering monument of Duke Arcaliburn, standing proudly in the heart of the capital, his likeness cast in shimmering crystal.


    Doctor G paused, letting the display hold our attention before continuing. ¡°The capital city, Exestia, lies in the southern hemisphere of Xyraxis. It¡¯s not just the center of trade and development for the cyber mystic¡ªit¡¯s the planet¡¯s shield. The mighty Archonlight Tower stands vigilant, its light a barrier against external threats.¡±


    The display morphed again, cycling through the faces of Xyraxis¡¯ past leaders, each one imbued with a distinct presence even in holographic form. Finally, the current leader¡¯s face appeared, accompanied by the radiant glow of the Archonlight behind her.


    ¡°Kaisers are the emperors and empresses of Xyraxis,¡± Doctor G explained, his voice now tinged with a touch of admiration. ¡°Today, we are under the protection of Kaiserin Grace Arcaliburn, wielder of the Archonlight. Thanks to her, the Archonlight Tower stands strong, defending us from the relentless attacks of the Cosmic Beasts.¡±


    A hand shot up from one of our classmates, a girl with a determined expression. ¡°Doctor G,¡± she began, her voice cutting through the ambient hum of the hologram, ¡°what about the Blackout Siege that happened months ago? Was the Kaiserin attacked during it?¡±


    The room fell silent as everyone turned their attention to Doctor G. For a moment, he seemed at a loss, his usual commanding presence faltering slightly. He adjusted his speaker modules, the small click of his fingers against the controls audible in the quiet. ¡°Unfortunately,¡± he said after a pause, his voice more subdued than usual, ¡°there are still many mysteries surrounding the Blackout Siege. What I can assure you is that the Kaiserin is safe, secure within the capital, and there was no recorded damage to the tower''s Archonlight System. The investigation bureau continues to study the incident, but answers remain elusive.¡±


    Another student leaned forward, their curiosity uncontainable. ¡°Could it have been a hack?¡± they asked, their tone edged with a mix of fear and intrigue.


    Doctor G¡¯s response was firm, almost indignant. ¡°No,¡± he said sharply, shaking his head. ¡°The Archonlight Tower cannot be hacked. The system exists far beyond the realms of conventional quantum physics. What little we understand about it suggests it operates closer to the domains of magic than to any technology humanity has mastered. Even now, the true workings of the Archonlight and its tower remain an enigma.¡±


    As he spoke, I felt a prickle of unease, my thoughts drifting to the events of the siege. Turning my head slightly, I locked eyes with Myrrh, my seatmate. Her expression mirrored my own¡ªan uneasy mixture of apprehension and understanding.


    We both knew. Ismail Arondight. That cyber-terrorist was somehow connected to the Blackout Siege, of that we were certain. But the real mystery was how he could manipulate something as otherworldly as the Archonlight. It wasn¡¯t just improbable; it was impossible¡ªor at least, it should have been.


    <><><>


    The clock struck two in the afternoon, and the sharp, resonating electronic clang of the campus bell from the tenth floor signaled the end of classes. The classroom buzzed with the familiar shuffle of books, bags, and murmured conversations as students prepared to leave. Across the room, I caught sight of Myrrh, hurriedly cramming her belongings into her satchel.


    ¡°What¡¯s the rush?¡± I asked, leaning casually against my desk.


    She glanced at me with a sheepish grin, her hands fumbling with the zipper of her bag. ¡°Haha,¡± she chuckled nervously. ¡°Mom¡¯s got a craving for dried mangoes, so I promised to swing by the grocery store before visiting her at the hospital. Want to come along?¡±


    I paused, considering her offer. Three seconds passed¡ªa solid three seconds of debating whether to tag along or head home. I didn¡¯t have anything urgent to do, and, truth be told, I missed Myrrh¡¯s mom. But just as I was about to reply, an eruption of chaos jolted me from my thoughts.


    ¡°Zaft! Zaft! Help me!¡± a desperate voice wailed.


    Before I could react, Neil, the perpetually frantic guy sitting in front of me, had practically launched himself at my desk. His face was a mix of panic and pleading, his hands gripping the edge of my table as if his life depended on it.


    ¡°What the¡ªwhat do you want now?¡± I shot back, startled.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand anything about Protocol 101!¡± Neil cried, flailing his arms dramatically.


    ¡°That¡¯s because you spend more time napping than studying!¡± I snapped, glaring at him. ¡°I just tutored Fei yesterday! Were you even listening?¡±The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Neil winced like a scolded child. ¡°I¡­ might have been dozing off,¡± he admitted sheepishly. ¡°But come on, Zaft! Please help me! I need to pass the written exam for the tournament!¡±


    Before I could even process his plea, Remuel showed up, barreling toward my desk with theatrical flair. He dropped to his knees, clapping his hands together as if in prayer, his voice thick with mock desperation.


    ¡°Zaft, we beg you! Teach us! We¡¯ll never survive the examination round without your help!¡±


    I stared at him, horrified and cringing as if he¡¯d just declared me the second coming of a study god. ¡°Remuel, really? You, too?¡±


    Remuel¡¯s eyes gleamed with guilt, his posture folding in on itself. ¡°It¡¯s because¡­ well¡­ I was kind of busy¡­ uh, grinding for the seasonal event in BattleLords: Infinite Combat,¡± he admitted, scratching the back of his head.


    I groaned, pinching the bridge of my nose. ¡°You¡¯re hopeless, both of you. Remuel, Neil, it¡¯s not my fault you two prioritize napping and gaming over actually paying attention.¡±


    Myrrh stood off to the side, stifling a laugh as she watched the scene unfold. Her earlier rush forgotten, she waited for me to untangle myself from this comedy of academic desperation.


    I glanced at Myrrh, her lips curling into a forced smile that didn¡¯t quite reach her eyes. With a small wave, she backed toward the door. ¡°Looks like you boys are busy,¡± she said, her tone light but edged with amusement. ¡°I¡¯ll just send your regards to my mom. Babye!¡±


    ¡°Wait, Myrrh!¡± I called out, reaching a hand toward her, but it was too late. She was already out the door, her long hair bouncing as she skedaddled away like a woman on a mission.


    I groaned, running a hand through my hair, and turned to find the nearest lifeline. My eyes landed on Fei Xian, who was watching the scene unfold with an apologetic smile. Her fingers fidgeted nervously with the edge of her notebook as she spoke.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry, Zaft. I tried helping Neil last night, but¡­¡± She hesitated, glancing toward Neil, who looked pointedly at the floor. ¡°He said he couldn¡¯t understand anything I explained. Honestly, you¡¯re a better tutor. You make the protocols simple enough for everyone to digest.¡±


    I sighed, rubbing my temples. ¡°So you¡¯re the one responsible for this mess,¡± I muttered under my breath.


    Before I could fully process my predicament, Neil grabbed my right hand in a dramatic plea. ¡°Please, Zaft!¡± he begged, his face a mix of panic and desperation.


    Remuel, not to be outdone, seized my left hand with equal fervor. ¡°We¡¯ll even treat you to snacks!¡± he promised, his voice brimming with exaggerated sincerity.


    An uncomfortable shiver ran down my spine as I glanced at our awkwardly intertwined hands. It was¡ªhow do I put this?¡ªcringe. Definitely not my style, and it stirred unwelcome thoughts that I didn¡¯t care to entertain. I yanked my hands away like they¡¯d touched a live wire, wiping them on my pants with exaggerated vigor.


    ¡°Fine!¡± I sighed, throwing up my hands in mock defeat. ¡°Fiiiiine. I¡¯ll help you sorry shits.¡±


    Neil¡¯s face lit up as though I¡¯d just handed him the keys to salvation. He gave me an enthusiastic thumbs-up. ¡°Great! Let¡¯s head to my place!¡±


    I shook my head, already dreading the hours ahead, and followed them out of the classroom, their excitement a sharp contrast to my resigned acceptance.


    <><><>


    This was my first time stepping into Neil¡¯s dormitory room, and I couldn¡¯t help but marvel at the sheer size of the place¡ªit was at least 50% bigger than my cramped room. As I looked around, my envy only grew. Neil¡¯s room was practically a mini-apartment, outfitted with an electric kettle, a rice cooker, and even an induction stove. A washing machine and dishwasher sat neatly tucked into a corner, making my laundromat visits and hand-washed dishes feel like relics of the past.


    ¡°Lucky bastard,¡± I muttered under my breath, eyeing the appliances like forbidden treasures.


    Meanwhile, Remuel¡ªthe self-declared sponsor for the night¡ªarrived with an armful of supplies. He dumped a grocery bag onto the counter, revealing a spread that screamed ¡°college survival mode¡±: white bread, liver spread, a tray of eggs, mie goreng, and a can of corned beef. It wasn¡¯t glamorous, but it felt like home. For once, our wallets could take a breather from the relentless drain of caf¨¦s and restaurants the girls always insisted on.


    Since I was the designated tutor for these two nitwits, my only contribution to the evening was my stash of notes and books. I plopped them onto Neil¡¯s study table and flipped open my neatly summarized cheat sheets.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get started,¡± I said, adjusting my seat. ¡°Neil, what part of Protocol 101 is giving you trouble?¡±


    But before Neil could answer, Remuel raised a hand like he was about to make a grand proclamation. ¡°Hold it right there, Zaft!¡± he interrupted, grinning. ¡°We can¡¯t dive into studying on an empty stomach. Let¡¯s cook first!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right! No soldier fights a battle without fuel!¡± Neil chimed in enthusiastically, nodding like this was some universal truth.


    I sighed, already regretting my life choices. ¡°I thought this was supposed to be a study session,¡± I grumbled, pushing myself to my feet. ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s cook so we can get this over with.¡±


    ¡°Nice! Zaft, you handle the mie goreng,¡± Neil instructed, clapping his hands together like a team captain. ¡°Start by boiling some water, and maybe slice up some condiments to fancy it up.¡±


    Resigned, I grabbed the electric kettle and started heating water. As the kettle hummed, I prepped the ingredients, chopping onions and scallions to give the instant noodles a touch of culinary flair. Across the room, Remuel was fully engrossed in making scrambled eggs, narrating his every move as if auditioning for a cooking show. ¡°Gordon Ramsay said to add the butter last,¡± he muttered, his focus intense.


    Neil, meanwhile, was assembling a Frankenstein-esque creation: sandwiches stuffed with yakisoba, corned beef, and a smear of liver spread. ¡°A masterpiece,¡± he declared with pride, holding up one of the monstrosities like it belonged in an art gallery.


    It wasn¡¯t exactly fine dining, but it had a certain charm¡ªa chaotic, budget-friendly feast cooked up by three college guys who¡¯d rather be eating steak but were too broke to afford it.


    After thirty minutes of chaotic culinary experiments, we finally finished crafting our questionable feast. The table was piled high with our noodle-corned beef-egg-liver spread sandwiches, but as we admired our handiwork, a sudden realization struck.


    ¡°Wait a second,¡± Remuel said, frowning as he scanned the spread. ¡°We¡¯re missing something.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow. ¡°What, culinary dignity?¡±


    ¡°Drinks,¡± he declared with the conviction of a man unveiling the meaning of life. ¡°We need soda. Let¡¯s hit the grocery store.¡±


    ¡°How about liquor?¡± I quipped, my voice dripping with sarcasm.


    ¡°Yes! That too,¡± Neil replied, entirely missing the joke.


    So, with zero hesitation and even less regard for dormitory rules, we marched off to the convenience store. There, we picked up the essentials: a giant bottle of root beer, some orange soda, and lime soda to cover all bases. Neil spotted a cheap brandy on the shelf, and before I could veto the idea, he¡¯d already tossed it into the basket. We grabbed a paper bag to conceal our contraband¡ªbecause sneaking liquor into the dorms was a time-honored tradition¡ªand then stumbled upon a tub of rocky road ice cream. Without a word, we all nodded in unison. The ice cream was coming home with us.


    Back at Neil¡¯s room, we dove into the chaos we called dinner. The sandwiches, while monstrous in concept, weren¡¯t half bad when washed down with soda and the occasional swig of brandy. The ice cream was devoured with the unbridled enthusiasm of three college guys who¡¯d just discovered dessert after months of instant noodles.


    By the time we finished, the clock had struck ten. Plates were empty, the tub of ice cream had been scraped clean, and the air was thick with the lazy contentment of a meal well-destroyed. Unfortunately, it was also thick with the undeniable haze of tipsiness.


    ¡°We should probably start studying now,¡± I mumbled, though even I didn¡¯t believe the words.


    Neil leaned back in his chair, his eyelids drooping. ¡°Or¡­ hear me out¡­ we call it a night.¡±


    Remuel gave a weak cheer, raising his soda bottle like it was a toast. ¡°Best boys'' night ever!¡±


    And so, in the end, we didn''t study shit.

 Chapter 41 - The Written Licensure Exams

    Chapter 41 - The Written Licensure Exams


    Today marked the most anticipated¡ªor most dreaded, depending on your level of preparation¡ªSaturday of the week. This wasn¡¯t just any Saturday; it was the day when all support units, from first-year hopefuls to seasoned third-years, who had applied for the licensure exams would face their first hurdle: the written tests.


    My room assignment set me apart from my friends, leaving me isolated among thirty unfamiliar faces. The examination room had an air of sterile tension, with desks neatly arranged in rows. My designated seat was at the front, tucked into the rightmost corner beside a pale, scuffed wall that seemed to lean in just slightly, adding to my sense of isolation.


    To my left sat another examinee, a fellow support unit¡ªevident because he was male. He was short and scrawny, with a mop of bowl-cut hair that looked like it hadn¡¯t seen scissors in months. Round-framed glasses perched on his nose, magnifying his small, darting eyes. A perpetual smirk clung to his face, as if he were privy to some secret joke no one else could understand.


    I set my trusty pencil down on the table, its tip freshly sharpened, the smooth wood glinting faintly under the overhead lights. My neighbor¡¯s eyes flicked toward me, and without a word, he pulled out his own pencil¡ªa sleek, metallic-looking instrument that screamed extravagance.


    Not content to stop there, he unzipped his pencil case and proudly laid out an entire arsenal of pencils, each one polished to perfection and arranged by size and color like they were pieces in a collector¡¯s showcase.


    Not wanting to be caught unprepared, I reached for my eraser¡ªa small, well-worn rectangle of white rubber marred with old stab wounds from pencils. It was a relic from my high school days, carrying sentimental weight far beyond its shabby appearance.


    My neighbor glanced over, his smirk widening. With a theatrical flourish, he produced an eraser the size of his palm, sculpted to resemble a giant robot¡ªno, a Frame Unit, if I remembered correctly. It had to be one of those limited-edition erasers kids scrambled to buy back in the day.


    ¡°Ha!¡± He chuckled, the sound smug and grating. ¡°I¡¯m so prepared for this written test, I¡¯ll rizz my way straight to that license. Good luck keeping up.¡±


    ¡°Y-yeah, good luck to you too,¡± I replied with a forced smile, nodding politely before shaking my head ever so slightly. The absurdity of the moment made it hard to take him seriously, but at least it broke the monotony of pre-exam nerves.


    My nerdy seatmate radiated the quintessential aura of a bookworm. His appearance and mannerisms mirrored the classmates I had back in high school¡ªthe type whose towering intellect was only rivaled by their sky-high pride. It wasn¡¯t just his smug demeanor that got under my skin; it was the way his self-assured ego seemed to practically drip off him, pooling around his flared nostrils with every self-satisfied breath.


    The tension in the room shifted as the proctor finally entered, carrying the weight of authority. ¡°The test will begin in one minute,¡± they announced firmly. ¡°You¡¯ll each receive one sheet of scratch paper for your solutions in trigonometry and calculus. Answers must be shaded on the provided answer sheet.¡±


    The proctor moved briskly, distributing the tools of our impending mental battle. Scratch paper, answer sheets, and finally, a sleek tablet¡ªthe key to unlocking the questions¡ªwere handed out one by one. The tablets remained dark and silent, like dormant sentinels waiting for the command to spring to life.


    ¡°The written test starts now,¡± the proctor declared.


    As the words left their mouth, the tablets hummed to life, their screens flaring bright with the first barrage of questions. The quiet rustle of shifting paper and the faint clicking of styluses filled the room, an orchestra of exam tension.


    Written examinations had always been my strong suit, a talent honed back in high school thanks to my special curriculum. This knack for academics was the one thing that kept me toe-to-toe with Myrrh, whose practical exam prowess left me in awe.


    As my eyes scanned the first question, a familiar rhythm took over. My mind instantly grasped the answer, and my hand moved instinctively, shading the corresponding bubble on the sheet. It was as if my body had entered autopilot, leaving my thoughts free to focus on the next problem, and then the next.


    The test questions became increasingly complex, diving into advanced calculus problems that demanded precision and creativity to solve. Mixed in were questions from Protocol 101, a subject we first-years hadn¡¯t even touched yet. Despite the challenges, I wasn¡¯t overly concerned for myself¡ªthis was my forte, after all. What worried me more was Myrrh. Could she handle the advanced calculus? Fei and I had spent hours tutoring her, and Myrrh¡¯s quick grasp of concepts always impressed me. Still, this test was no joke.


    My thoughts drifted to Neil and Remuel. We¡¯d had three so-called study sessions in Neil¡¯s room leading up to today, but they had devolved into snack binges every single time. Between stuffing our faces and telling jokes, we barely covered the material. I couldn¡¯t help but wonder if they were managing to hold their own in their respective rooms¡ªor if they were cracking under the pressure.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°Huhuhu¡­ Mommy¡­¡±


    The soft sound of weeping broke my concentration. Turning to my left, I was met with a surprising sight: my nerdy seatmate, the one who had flaunted his pencil collection and exuded unshakable confidence, was now hunched over his tablet. His round glasses were fogged, tears streaming down his face, and the snot bubbling from his nose was¡­ well, hard to ignore. The proud smirk he¡¯d worn earlier had crumbled into a pitiful mask of despair.


    So much for bragging about acing the exams.


    <><><>


    The written examinations dragged on until lunch, leaving a lingering sense of exhaustion in the air. My squad had agreed to regroup at the cafeteria, second floor, at the table facing the left window. As I climbed the stairs, I spotted them already seated. Neil and Remuel looked like they had seen a ghost¡ªpale and worn as if the exams had drained the very life out of them.


    Myrrh, on the other hand, was engrossed in flipping through her calculus notes, her lips slightly pursed in concentration. Fei sat beside her, hunched over her history textbook, frantically scanning the pages as if the answers might retroactively materialize.


    And then there was Cindy. Unbothered, she leaned back in her chair, sipping a soda with the air of someone who had already resigned herself to whatever fate awaited her.


    My mind was still buzzing from the test, every question I¡¯d tackled replaying in my head like an echo I couldn¡¯t shake. I slid into the seat beside Myrrh, feeling half-present but still sharp enough to catch her warm smile.


    ¡°Oh, hello, Zaft. How were the exams?¡± she asked, her tone casual yet curious.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know for sure,¡± I admitted with a shrug. ¡°I just went with my instincts and answered whatever came to mind first.¡±


    ¡°What was your answer to Question 157 in Advanced Calculus?¡± Myrrh pressed, her curiosity breaking through her calm exterior.


    I paused to recall. ¡°Was that the one with the multivariable functions? I think I answered B.¡±


    Myrrh groaned, dropping her pen onto her notebook. ¡°Ugh, I put A. That¡¯s one more point down the drain.¡±


    Fei leaned over, her expression a mix of urgency and hope. ¡°Hey, Zaft, what about Question 24 in Cybermystic History? The one about the codecaster¡¯s origin? What¡¯d you pick?¡±


    ¡°Oh, that one?¡± I tapped my chin. ¡°D. It happened in Michigan, right?¡±


    Fei let out a dramatic wail, burying her face in her hands. ¡°Nooo, I got it wrong! How about¡ª¡±


    Before she could fire off another question, I held up my hand like a traffic officer stopping a busy street. ¡°Stop. What do you think I am, a walking answer key?¡±


    ¡°Well, kinda,¡± Myrrh teased with a playful grin. ¡°You¡¯re the smartest in the group. I mean, it makes sense considering your background in the special curriculum.¡±


    Neil perked up at her words, his tired expression giving way to genuine surprise. ¡°Wait¡­ you mean Zaft is from the classroom of the elite?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about, but he kind of is,¡± Myrrh said, shooting me a sidelong glance. ¡°You can always count on Zaft for book smarts, even though he looks like a hooligan.¡±


    I furrowed my brow, grumbling, ¡°I¡¯ll ignore that last part and take it as a compliment, Myrrh.¡±


    ¡°Wow! So we were right to make you our tutor for the past three nights!¡± Remuel exclaimed, his usual enthusiasm bubbling up.


    I sighed and leaned back in my chair. ¡°I don¡¯t think tutoring actually made a difference. Let¡¯s be honest¡ªthose sessions were more about snacking than studying,¡± I muttered under my breath, earning a chuckle from Myrrh.


    Suddenly, Cindy sat up straighter, her eyes glued to her phone. ¡°Oh! The results are out now!¡±


    ¡°That was fast!¡± Fei gasped, her face lighting up with nervous excitement.


    ¡°I passed the exams! Woohoo!¡± Cindy practically shouted, pumping her fist in the air. The rest of us scrambled to unlock our smartphones and navigate to the licensure examination results website. The tension in the air thickened as we all began scrolling through the endless list of names.


    ¡°Have you seen my name? Have you seen my name?¡± Neil asked, his voice teetering between panic and hope.


    ¡°I found it! You passed!¡± Remuel announced with a grin.


    ¡°How about you, Remuel?¡± I asked, glancing up from my screen.


    ¡°I passed too!¡± Remuel declared, a triumphant edge to his voice. ¡°Neil and I are in the bottom five, but hey, we still passed! Hooray!¡± He and Neil exchanged an enthusiastic high-five, their earlier pallor replaced by flushed relief.


    My eyes shifted to Fei and Myrrh, who were seated across from me. Both wore matching bright smiles that spoke volumes before either of them said a word. The joy on their faces was contagious, and for a brief moment, all the stress from the exam felt like a distant memory.


    "My name is here! I passed the exams!" Fei exclaimed, her voice overflowing with joy as she nearly jumped out of her seat.


    ¡°Hmph. It seems that advanced calculus requires only the most basic of skills,¡± Myrrh declared, flicking her hair with a self-satisfied smirk.


    ¡°How about you, Zaft? Did you pass?¡± Cindy asked, leaning forward with curious eyes.


    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know,¡± I replied, my fingers feverishly scrolling through the list. The names weren¡¯t in alphabetical order, making it an endless task to locate mine. To make matters worse, the search function wasn¡¯t working. Every name that wasn¡¯t mine added to the growing knot in my stomach.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see your name, Zaft,¡± Neil said softly, his earlier excitement now dampened.


    ¡°Y-yeah,¡± Remuel chimed in, his expression filled with sympathy. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, brother.¡± He placed a hand on my shoulder, his touch heavy with unspoken condolences.


    For a moment, time froze. My mind raced, replaying the exam questions I¡¯d answered with such confidence. Had I truly failed? The sure answers I thought I had suddenly felt like a cruel illusion.


    ¡°You imbeciles,¡± Myrrh¡¯s voice cut through the silence like a whip. ¡°Are you all blind? Especially you, Zaft. Did you forget how your name is spelled?¡± She flicked her hair sassily, her tone dripping with mockery.


    I snapped out of my daze and turned to her, irritation mixing with faint hope. ¡°I know how my name is spelled, thank you very much. So, have you seen it?¡±


    ¡°Look at the top of the list,¡± she said, rolling her eyes as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. ¡°Especially the topnotchers section.¡±


    Her words hung in the air as we all hastily scrolled to the very top of the list. My heart pounded in my chest like a drum, each second stretching into eternity.


    And then I saw it.


    Top 1: Michelle Gehabich


    Top 2: Aurelio Monsieur


    Top 3: Emma Roids


    Top 4: Zaft Callahan.


    My breath caught as the letters of my name stared back at me, bold and unmistakable.

 Chapter 42 - Human Calculator

    Chapter 42 - Human Calculator


    It was Monday morning, and our first period was Weaponry Tutorial. As always, Professor Bao had us gathered in the sprawling expanse of the simulations room, the air buzzing faintly with the hum of holographic projectors. Each of us stood beside our partner WAIFUs, waiting as Professor Bao busily prepared something on her sleek, glowing tablet.


    I was adjusting the strap of my utility harness when I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder. Turning, I saw Gladiel, a classmate from the support unit course, flashing a wide grin.


    ¡°Hey, congratulations on making the Top 4 in the licensure examinations,¡± Gladiel said, his tone light but genuinely impressed.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right! Congratulations, Mister Callahan!¡± chimed in his WAIFU partner, Trish, her voice carrying a melodic cheerfulness that almost made me blush.


    ¡°Haha, thank you,¡± I replied, forcing a laugh and smile, though the sudden attention felt slightly overwhelming.


    Before I could retreat into my usual low profile, Neil bounded over, his energy as irrepressible as ever. ¡°Can you believe it? Zaft here is a beast! Top 4! He totally outshone the third-years with his genius! A first-year representing us like a pro!¡± Neil¡¯s enthusiasm filled the room, drawing a few amused chuckles and murmurs from our classmates.


    ¡°Oh, Neil. Congratulations to you too,¡± Gladiel said with a polite nod. ¡°I know you placed last, but hey, you still passed! That¡¯s something to be proud of. Me and Trish couldn¡¯t even make it past the written exam. It was brutal!¡±


    At that moment, Trish stepped closer, her glossy eyes sparkling with sincerity as she reached out to clasp my hand. ¡°I wish I could be your partner after the midterms,¡± she said, her tone somewhere between admiration and hopeful excitement.


    ¡°Ah¡­hahaha¡­¡± I stammered, my laugh shaky as I awkwardly scratched the back of my head. Her hand was soft, and her gaze made me feel like a deer caught in the headlights.


    This wasn¡¯t the first time today, either. In fact, it was the third time a WAIFU had asked to partner with me¡ªbefore first period has even begun. I wasn¡¯t used to this kind of attention. As someone who preferred to stay under the radar, it was both flattering and unnerving. Still, praise like this? I couldn¡¯t help but let myself soak it in, even if only a little.


    Suddenly, Professor Bao strode over, her sharp heels clicking against the polished floor of the simulations room. Her sharp, no-nonsense gaze settled on me, though there was a flicker of approval in her expression.


    ¡°Oh, congratulations on placing in the Top 4 of the Licensure Exams, Mister Callahan,¡± she said with her usual crispness. ¡°I expect great things from you.¡±


    Before I could respond, Trish released my hand, her cheeks faintly flushed, and I turned to shake hands with Professor Bao. Her grip was firm, exuding authority.


    ¡°Thank you, Professor,¡± I replied, keeping my voice steady despite the butterflies stirring in my stomach.


    She gave a curt nod before addressing the entire class. ¡°Now, go to your respective lines. We¡¯re beginning the lesson.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Professor!¡± we all chorused, snapping into a salute.


    As the group dispersed, I stepped away from the crowd and noticed, to my surprise, that Myrrh had been standing beside me all along. She leaned slightly toward me, arms casually folded, a playful smirk curling on her lips. Her narrowed blue eyes glimmered with mischief, locking onto mine like she was about to pounce on a joke.


    ¡°That¡¯s the third time you¡¯ve been asked to be someone¡¯s partner today, huh?¡± she said, her voice light but dripping with teasing intent.


    ¡°Wow, so you¡¯re keeping track now?¡± I shot back with a grin. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re secretly hoping to team up with me for the finals?¡±


    Myrrh raised an eyebrow, her smirk deepening as she crossed her arms. ¡°Oh, I won¡¯t deny you¡¯ve been a big help with my grades¡ªso much so that I could probably skip the entire finals and still keep my spot on the Dean¡¯s List.¡±


    Her tone was casual, but the confidence in her words was unmistakable.


    ¡°But,¡± she added, her smirk fading into something more thoughtful, ¡°the probability of us being partners again is zero. Complete reshuffle, remember?¡±


    ¡°Right. But hey,¡± I said, tilting my head slightly toward her. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to miss me?¡±


    ¡°Wha¡ª!¡± Myrrh¡¯s face flushed instantly, a deep shade of red spreading across her cheeks. Her usually confident demeanor faltered, and her wide, startled eyes darted away from mine. ¡°W-well, I wouldn¡¯t say I wouldn¡¯t¡­ but¡­¡±


    Before she could stumble further over her words, she suddenly raised her hand and ruffled my hair with deliberate roughness, as if trying to cover up her flustered state.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let the compliments go to your head, you hooligan,¡± she said, her voice a mix of teasing and embarrassment.


    ¡°Stop it!¡± I mumbled, trying to bat her hand away while feeling my own face heat up.


    She pulled back with a grin, the earlier redness on her cheeks now softened into something almost playful. ¡°How about you?¡± she asked, tilting her head and giving me a smile so radiant it momentarily disarmed me. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to miss me as your partner?¡±


    Her question hit harder than I expected, stirring an unexpected pang in my chest. The thought of the midterms ending¡ªand with it, our partnership¡ªmade my heart ache a little. Sure, Myrrh and I had started on the wrong foot back in high school, but over these past months, I¡¯d come to see a different side of her. She wasn¡¯t just the competitive, sharp-tongued rival I¡¯d known back then; she was thoughtful, clever, and, dare I admit it, a genuinely good friend. I would miss our banter during classes, the easy rhythm we¡¯d found.


    But before I could find the words to answer her, Professor Bao¡¯s voice rang out, amplified through her mic.


    ¡°Attention, all WAIFUs and support units!¡± she announced, her tone crisp and commanding. ¡°Today, I am upgrading your Clearance Level to Level 7. You will now unlock the final weapon for the midterms: the Rail Cannon.¡±


    With a sharp tap on her tablet, the announcement was followed by a series of chimes. All of our smartwatches beeped in unison, projecting holographic screens into the air around us.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    [Weaponry Enhancement Engineering Bios]


    [Clearance Level Up]


    [New Weapon Unlocked]


    [Level 7 ¨C Rail Cannon]


    ¡°The Rail Cannon is a long-range, two-handed weapon capable of firing at distances of up to two hundred kilometers,¡± Professor Bao explained, her authoritative voice cutting through the hum of anticipation in the room. ¡°It can also unleash an electric field with a voltage that scales to a million volts, depending on the distance traveled. Now, WAIFUs, awaken your Frame Units. Support units, prepare to activate the Rail Cannon once your partners are ready.¡±


    The WAIFU students moved purposefully to the red line etched across the floor, their expressions a mix of focus and excitement. Each readied their morphers, the devices glinting under the bright lights of the simulation room. Then, in unison, they raised their morphers high, their voices ringing out:


    ¡°Frame Unit, Awaken!¡±


    Beams of radiant light erupted around them, forming towering pillars that reached toward the ceiling. Within moments, the WAIFUs transformed, their humanoid forms melding into massive twenty-meter-tall mechs. The room seemed to shrink as the colossal machines stood on standby, their metallic frames gleaming and casting long shadows across the floor.


    Meanwhile, we support units tapped into our Bios systems, navigating to the holographic interface to select the newly unlocked weapon. With synchronized movements, we all pressed the glowing [Rail Cannon] option.


    ¡°Rail Cannon, Equip!¡±


    Our arms lit up with an intricate pattern of circuits, a radiant display of power coursing through us as we pointed toward our respective Frame Units. Beside each towering mech, an enormous cybernetic circle materialized, spinning with a faint hum of energy. The Frame Units extended their massive hands into the circles, and from the light emerged their ultimate weapon¡ªa gargantuan cannon, nearly as long as the mechs themselves.


    The Rail Cannons were monstrous. Their sleek, reinforced barrels glinted with a faint electric aura, and their immense weight was apparent as the Frame Units gripped them. Most struggled, their servos whining and legs shifting to maintain balance. The sheer scale of the weapon was intimidating¡ªtwenty meters long, its presence a statement of devastating power.


    My eyes immediately darted to Myrrh¡¯s Frame Unit. She was gripping the Rail Cannon tightly, her mech¡¯s arms trembling as she adjusted her stance. Her struggles were clear, the mech emitting strained, mechanical groans as it attempted to stabilize.


    ¡°Hnnnngh!¡± Myrrh¡¯s voice crackled through the comms, a mix of frustration and determination. Her mech¡¯s massive frame wobbled slightly before locking into position, the Rail Cannon finally aligned and ready.


    The Frame Units began practice firing their Rail Cannons, and the simulation room was soon alive with the thundering roar of each shot. Every time a cannon discharged, a blinding electric exhaust erupted from its tip, crackling violently before dissipating into the air. The rounds traveled so far and so fast that their impact points were little more than faint glimmers on the distant horizon, almost impossible to spot with the naked eye. The sheer force of each blast reverberated through the room, the sound deafening enough to make my ears ring despite the protective barriers in place.


    Fifteen minutes passed in this storm of energy and noise, until a sharp whistle cut through the chaos. Professor Bao stood at the edge of the simulation floor, her commanding presence immediately drawing everyone''s attention.


    ¡°For this examination,¡± she announced, her voice amplified over the comms, ¡°I will spawn dummies at one hundred kilometers. Frame Units, your objective is to hit as many targets as possible. I will simulate wind resistance, vary the distance, and introduce obstacles to challenge your accuracy. Support units, you will rely on your [Minimaps] to locate the targets and guide your partners toward a successful hit. Prepare yourselves!¡±


    As her instructions sank in, the Frame Units shifted, raising their cannons into firing positions. Meanwhile, we support units activated our holographic minimaps, watching as data streamed across the displays. With a hum, the simulation room transformed into a vast, rocky plain. Jagged cliffs and sparse outcroppings stretched to the horizon, where the first target dummy appeared¡ªa tiny speck against the expanse of simulated terrain, barely discernible to the human eye.


    ¡°Begin!¡± Professor Bao¡¯s whistle pierced the air, marking the start of the exercise.


    Without hesitation, Myrrh took her shot. Her Rail Cannon emitted a deafening crack as it fired, the electric exhaust momentarily illuminating her Frame Unit. The round streaked through the air, cutting across the simulated plain in an instant. The first dummy was obliterated on impact, its pieces scattering like dust before fading into the simulation.


    Before Myrrh could celebrate her precision, another dummy materialized in the same position. Then, the system emitted a low chime, followed by a text notification on my minimap:


    [Wind Resistance Detected: 8 meters per second East]


    The update made my heart race. Hitting a stationary target was one thing; accounting for wind resistance at a range of one hundred kilometers was a whole new level of complexity. The numbers swirled in my mind as I quickly calculated the necessary adjustments. Without the luxury of a scratch pad or calculator, I had to solve it mentally¡ªand fast.


    <div>


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    ¡°Myrrh, aim two lines to the left!¡± I commanded, my eyes locked onto the minimap as I calculated the trajectory.


    ¡°Got it!¡± Myrrh¡¯s voice crackled through the comms, steady with determination. Her Frame Unit adjusted its stance, the Rail Cannon shifting slightly. A sharp crack followed as she fired, the weapon¡¯s electric exhaust flaring like a miniature storm. The projectile hurtled across the rocky plain and struck the dummy dead center. In a dazzling explosion, the target was obliterated, fragments scattering into the simulated horizon.


    Before I could celebrate, a new dummy materialized, perched precariously atop a jagged rock formation. My minimap updated instantly:


    [Wind Resistance Detected: 12 meters per second Northeast]


    [Target Elevation: 12 meters]


    I clenched my fists, my mind already racing through the variables. The wind, the elevation, the angle of the shot¡ªit all needed to be factored in precisely. For a moment, the pressure gnawed at me. Myrrh, however, waited silently, her Frame Unit holding steady with unwavering patience.


    Ten agonizing seconds later, I finally spoke. ¡°Myrrh, third quadrant, three lines up, two lines left!¡±


    ¡°Fire!¡± she called out, her Frame Unit responding instantly. The Rail Cannon roared again, sending a glowing projectile arcing through the air. It sailed effortlessly over the rocky terrain before crashing into the dummy with pinpoint precision. The rock beneath it shattered, sending debris cascading down in a simulated avalanche.


    The next dummy appeared almost immediately, upping the challenge further. This time, the target was hidden behind two enormous boulders, barely visible even on the minimap.


    [Wind Resistance Detected: 18 meters per second Southwest]


    [Obstruction Detected: Two Boulders, 10 meters and 12 meters tall]


    I could feel the pressure building in my chest. The equation for this shot wasn¡¯t simple. I had to calculate the projectile¡¯s force, arc, and velocity, all while accounting for the strong diagonal wind. The obstructions added another layer of complexity, requiring precision so fine it felt like threading a needle with a cannon.


    The seconds dragged on as I worked through the problem, numbers swirling in my mind. Every time I thought I had it, another factor surfaced, forcing me to start again.


    ¡°Zaft,¡± Myrrh¡¯s voice came through the comms, cutting into my focus.


    ¡°Shut up, Myrrh. I¡¯m computing in my head,¡± I snapped, frustration creeping into my tone.


    ¡°Use your head for once!¡± Myrrh shouted, her voice sharp with frustration.


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    ¡°I am using my head!¡± I shot back, my hands gripping my device tightly. ¡°Do you have any idea how much strain it puts on my brain to mentally solve equations like this?!¡±


    ¡°You absolute moron!¡± she roared, her tone balancing between disbelief and exasperation. ¡°There¡¯s a WEEB System calculator built right into the device! All the other support units are using it!¡±


    ¡°W-What!?¡± My heart dropped, and I froze mid-thought.


    Out of sheer disbelief, I glanced around the room. Sure enough, every other support unit was busy tapping away on their devices, their expressions calm and focused. Their minimaps displayed precise calculations, values instantly provided by the system. Meanwhile, here I was, treating this like a final exam for astrophysics.


    The realization hit me like a freight train. Slowly, almost theatrically, I raised both hands and slapped them against my face.

 Chapter 43 - Level 141

    Chapter 43 - Level 141


    The late afternoon sunlight bathed the campus in a golden glow, casting long shadows across the cobblestone pathways. I stood in front of the girls¡¯ dormitory, still in my crisp school uniform, the faint scent of freshly cut grass lingering in the air. The sky, painted with streaks of orange and pink, signaled the day¡¯s slow descent into evening. I glanced at my phone¡ª5:30 PM. The time felt both early and late, a strange tension buzzing in the air.


    My eyes flicked to Myrrh¡¯s messages again, their cheery tone contrasting with the quiet stillness around me:


    Myrrh: Hey, are you free tonight? Let¡¯s have a dinner date! My treat!


    Myrrh: And also, my mother wants to see you. Let¡¯s meet in front of my dormitory, at 5:30 PM!


    That was two hours ago. I scrolled idly through my other messages, half-listening to the rustling of leaves in the gentle evening breeze, trying to pass the time. Yet, an uncanny sensation crept over me¡ªlike eyes boring into the back of my head.


    Before I could turn, darkness swept over my vision. A soft touch¡ªdelicate and warm¡ªcovered my eyes, and something even softer pressed against my back, one pressure to my left, another to my right. My mind scrambled for context.


    ¡°Guess who!¡± a familiar voice teased, carrying that playful lilt I knew all too well.


    I smirked, a mischievous edge creeping into my tone. ¡°Could it be the dumb blonde bimbo everyone keeps gossiping about?¡±


    ¡°Ugh, fuck you, Zaft!¡± Myrrh huffed, shoving my head away as she let go.


    My vision cleared, and there she was¡ªpouting like a child denied her favorite treat. Her lime-green hair, tied back with black ribbons, shimmered under the waning sunlight, and her flushed cheeks only made her more endearing.


    ¡°After everything we¡¯ve been through,¡± she grumbled, crossing her arms with mock indignation, ¡°you really hate me that much, huh?¡±


    ¡°Just kidding.¡± I scoffed, a smirk tugging at my lips as I reached out to pat Myrrh¡¯s head.


    As always, she leaned into the gesture like a contented cat. But just as quickly, she swatted my hand away, her expression twisting into mock irritation. ¡°You¡¯re ruining my hair,¡± she grumbled, adjusting the ribbon that kept her ponytail in place.


    ¡°Alright, alright.¡± I raised my hands in surrender, my grin widening. ¡°So, what¡¯s the plan? This¡¯ll be our second date, huh?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Myrrh¡¯s face lit up with excitement, her earlier pout disappearing in an instant. ¡°I hope it¡¯s okay that it¡¯s just a dinner date, though. My wallet¡¯s¡­ uh¡­ going through some tough times right now.¡± She gave a sheepish laugh, scratching her cheek.


    ¡°What''s new? You''re always in debt.¡± I nodded, though a twinge of unease crept into my tone. ¡°Still¡­ I can¡¯t help but feel a little nervous. Every time we go on a ¡®date,¡¯ something weird always happens.¡±


    Myrrh blinked, her expression shifting to a deadpan stare. ¡°You¡¯re not wrong,¡± she admitted flatly. ¡°The first date ended with the Xyraxis Blackout incident. Then there was our ¡®meeting¡¯ with that terrorist hacker. At this rate, I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if the apocalypse decides to drop by tonight.¡±


    I forced a laugh, trying to mask the growing knot in my stomach. ¡°M-maybe we should just¡­ stay in? You know, avoid tempting fate or whatever. I¡¯m starting to think you might be carrying some sort of curse.¡±


    ¡°Wow, rude!¡± Myrrh puffed out her cheeks, her glare more playful than angry. ¡°For your information, I¡¯ve been on plenty of dates with Ephraim before, and all of them went perfectly fine. Except when I¡¯m with you, apparently.¡±


    Her jab stung just enough to make me wince, but the glimmer of mischief in her eyes told me she wasn¡¯t entirely serious.


    ¡°So, I¡¯m the one with the bad luck, huh?¡± I muttered, half-joking. But the weight of my own words sank in like a stone in my chest. My thoughts drifted to the pact I¡¯d made with the Machine God¡ªthe one that bound me to a destiny I barely understood. Was this part of the curse? Were these strange, chaotic dates with Myrrh just the beginning of some larger tragedy?


    ¡°Cheer up, dummy.¡± Myrrh¡¯s voice snapped me out of my spiraling thoughts. She slapped my arm lightly, the warmth of her touch grounding me. ¡°If you¡¯re that worried, we can just grab some takeout and have our ¡®date¡¯ in the hospital. My mom can be our chaperone. Though¡­ now that I think about it, maybe I¡¯d be the chaperone, considering my mom kind of has a thing for you.¡±


    I blinked, caught off guard. ¡°Wait, what?¡±The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Myrrh smirked, her lime-green ponytail swaying as she turned to face me. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t act so surprised. She¡¯s been practically singing your praises since the last time she saw you.¡±


    I rubbed the back of my neck awkwardly, trying to shift the conversation. ¡°Right¡­ Speaking of your mom, what does Miss Alicent want to talk to me about, anyway?¡±


    ¡°Beats me.¡± Myrrh shrugged nonchalantly, her frilly dress fluttering slightly in the evening breeze. ¡°Guess we¡¯ll find out when we get there.¡±


    <><><>


    Haunted by the lingering fear of our so-called cursed dates, we played it safe. Myrrh and I settled on takeout¡ªher favorite pizza, along with a soft, spongy cake roll and a couple of fizzy drinks. The plan was simple: have dinner at the hospital, where her mother¡¯s presence might ward off any more unexpected disasters. Emphasis on the word "might".


    By the time we arrived, the city lights had claimed the sky, stars faintly flickering behind a veil of urban haze. Inside the hospital, the air was sterile but carried a subtle hum of activity in the background. We were greeted by Mirana Alicent¡¯s warm smile, though I couldn¡¯t help but notice the faint lines of fatigue around her eyes. Despite her best efforts to appear cheerful, there was a fragility in her demeanor¡ªa silent testament to her condition.


    ¡°Good evening, Mother,¡± Myrrh said in a singsong tone, holding up the takeout bag triumphantly. ¡°I brought some food!¡±


    I followed suit, bowing politely to the woman who had once been my childhood heroine. ¡°G-good evening, Miss Alicent.¡±


    ¡°Oh, welcome home, Myrrh,¡± she replied, her voice soft but tinged with warmth. Her gaze shifted to me, and a playful glint appeared in her tired eyes. ¡°And I see you¡¯ve brought your boyfriend along.¡±


    ¡°Jeez, Mother, stop teasing us already!¡± Myrrh groaned, rolling her eyes dramatically as she set the food on the small table by the hospital bed. ¡°He¡¯s way below my standards.¡± Without missing a beat, she opened the pizza box, grabbed the first slice, and took a hearty bite, as if to emphasize her point.


    I chuckled awkwardly, forcing a polite smile as the teasing washed over me. Miss Alicent had always been fond of shipping us, no matter how many times I denied it. It was harmless, I told myself. There wasn¡¯t even a fraction of a chance that Myrrh and I could be anything more than what we were. Zero percent. Our dates were purely contractual, and any notion of romance was completely off the table.


    At least, that¡¯s what I kept telling myself.


    Still, something about the way she brushed me off¡ªway below her standards¡ªhit differently this time. Myrrh had said it a hundred times before, always with that same teasing air, but tonight it stung. A tiny, sharp pang in my chest, like an ant bite I couldn¡¯t quite ignore.


    I shook the feeling off quickly, focusing instead on unpacking the food. This wasn¡¯t the time to let my thoughts wander. Tonight was about being here for her mother, not deciphering the sudden flutter of something I couldn¡¯t name.


    ¡°So, Zaft.¡± Mirana Alicent¡¯s voice cut through the comfortable hum of our makeshift dinner. Her smile remained, but her sharp gaze pinned me in place, brimming with an authority that demanded attention. ¡°I¡¯ve heard from Myrrh that you reached the Top 4 in the written exams for the licensure tournament. Congratulations!¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Miss Alicent.¡± I quickly bowed, feeling the heat rise to my face. My heart skipped a beat¡ªMiss Mirana Alicent is praising me! The same Mirana Alicent who had been my childhood idol! My inner thoughts were doing cartwheels. Keep it going, Miss Mirana Alicent! You¡¯re my fuel for life!


    But just as quickly as her praise came, the atmosphere shifted. Her expression darkened, the warmth draining from her features. She straightened in her chair, her voice turning grave. ¡°But this is only the beginning,¡± she said.


    I swallowed hard, my earlier excitement evaporating.


    ¡°In the licensure examination tournament,¡± she continued, her tone steady and unyielding, ¡°you¡¯ll be facing seniors from across the board, up to the third years. These opponents will have significant advantages¡ªcombat experience, technical intelligence, and far superior support units. Most of their units are likely above Level 25.¡±


    Her words hung heavily in the air, pressing down on me like a physical weight. I glanced over at Myrrh, hoping for some kind of reassurance. She had stopped mid-bite, her half-eaten pizza slice hovering in her hand. Her usual playful demeanor was gone, replaced by an intense, almost defiant glare aimed directly at her mother.


    ¡°Mother, are you¡­¡± Myrrh began, her voice low and edged with something between concern and irritation.


    Mirana Alicent nodded, her expression softening, but her voice remained firm. ¡°It¡¯s only natural for a mother to help her daughter and her¡­ boyfriend.¡± She smirked lightly at the word, clearly enjoying my flustered reaction. ¡°So, I¡¯ll teach you techniques that even fourth-years and professionals struggle to master.¡±


    Without waiting for a response, she pulled out a worn smartwatch, its casing scratched but clearly still functional. She pressed a button, and with a faint hum, a holographic screen burst to life in the dim hospital room.


    I froze, my breath hitching as I read the glowing text:


    [Weaponry Enhancement Engineering Bios]


    [Clearance Level: 141]


    [No Support Unit Detected ¨C System Deactivated]


    The screen¡¯s main display featured a staggering list of weapons¡ªevery single one ever designed for WAIFUs, all 141 of them, their names scrolling like the credit roll at the end of a blockbuster film. My eyes darted over the intricate details, but each weapon¡¯s name was highlighted in an ominous red, a glaring reminder that the system couldn¡¯t activate without a support unit linked.


    ¡°W-wow,¡± I muttered, my voice barely audible. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ a lot of weapons.¡±


    Mirana Alicent¡¯s gaze didn¡¯t waver. ¡°This device belonged to my partner¡­ before he passed away.¡±


    Her words landed like a stone in the quiet room. Myrrh¡¯s eyebrows twitched, her jaw tightening for a fraction of a second. The silence stretched uncomfortably, thick with unspoken memories.


    I glanced back at Mirana, and her piercing gaze met mine. It was as if she were peeling back the layers of my mind, searching for something deeper than my reaction to her words.


    ¡°The higher years have the advantage,¡± she continued, her voice steady but laced with a quiet determination. ¡°Their weapons and transformation modes are advanced, but those aren¡¯t the only things that make a support unit valuable. I¡¯ll teach you the techniques my partner and I developed. Techniques we perfected over a hundred battles against Cosmic Beasts¡­ and even WAIFUs.¡±

 Chapter 44 - Opening Remarks and Closing Zippers

    Chapter 44 - Opening Remarks and Closing Zippers


    At the heart of the sprawling Orbital Tech Applied Kinetics University stands a monumental coliseum, a testament to advanced architecture and innovation. Towering like a futuristic gladiatorial arena, it is primarily used for exhibition training sessions featuring WAIFUs. Most days, the arena buzzes with the energy of third- and fourth-year students perfecting their combat techniques, particularly during the packed Saturday practical classes.


    But today is far from ordinary. The coliseum is electrified with an even greater crowd, with spectators pouring in not just from Xyraxis but also from Earth. All eyes are drawn to the centerpiece of this week¡¯s excitement¡ªthe Licensure Examination Tournament. Broadcast globally via pay-per-view or prepaid livestreams, the event has become a sensation.


    ¡°Helloooooo, ladies and gentlemen!¡±


    A deep, charismatic voice boomed through the coliseum¡¯s advanced sound system, reverberating against the walls like a call to arms. The audience erupted into cheers, their anticipation reaching a fever pitch. At the heart of the arena stood the event¡¯s vibrant hosts, their energy palpable.


    The man, an embodiment of flamboyance, had a striking brown complexion and an impossible-to-ignore rainbow-colored pompadour that seemed to defy gravity. Dressed in an unbuttoned Hawaiian shirt that flaunted his chiseled abs, he sported a pair of mirrored shades that caught the arena¡¯s bright lights. With a grin as wide as the coliseum itself, he exuded confidence as he worked the crowd into a frenzy.


    Beside him was none other than Dianca Fritz, radiating charm and elegance. Her pristine white and teal dress shimmered with subtle luminescence, and a delicate winged headband perched on her head gave her an almost ethereal quality. Her vibrant blue hair swayed with her movements as she skipped playfully to the center of the stage, her joy infectious.


    ¡°This is your host, Miles Oberyn!¡± announced the colorful man with a flourish.


    ¡°And I¡¯m Dianca Fritz! We¡¯ll be your hosts for the entirety of Part Two of the Licensure Examination Tournament!¡± she chimed in, her voice ringing out like a melody as the crowd erupted into another round of applause.


    ¡°Are you excited for this tournament, Miss Dianca?¡± Miles asked, his voice dripping with playful enthusiasm as he leaned toward his co-host, the glint from his shades catching the stadium lights.


    ¡°Of course I am, Miles!¡± Dianca replied, her teal dress fluttering slightly as she bounced on her heels. She paused, tilting her head with exaggerated curiosity, her winged headband glimmering. ¡°But, but¡­ what is the Licensure Examination Tournament anyway?¡±


    ¡°Ohohoho!¡± Miles chuckled, his laughter booming through the speakers. ¡°I almost forgot¡ªyou¡¯re a first-year student too! This must be your first time witnessing the annual Licensure Examination Tournament!¡± He struck a flamboyant pose, arms wide, as though presenting the entire event to her. ¡°This examination has two intense parts¡ªthe written component and the grand tournament proper. Only the top 100 WAIFUs and their support units from the written exams are invited to enter Part Two: the thrilling tournament, baby!¡±


    ¡°Oooh!¡± Dianca clapped her hands together, her excitement contagious. ¡°That sounds amazing! So, what can I expect in this tournament?¡±


    Miles grinned, adjusting his shades as he leaned closer to the microphone. ¡°Here¡¯s the scoop: WAIFUs battle it out in this very coliseum, putting their skills to the ultimate test. Meanwhile, their support units stay on the sidelines, providing advice, orders, and strategic assistance using the WEEB system, baby!¡± His voice rose as he spoke, hyping up the crowd once more.


    Dianca¡¯s eyes sparkled with anticipation. ¡°That sounds so exciting! But¡­ what are the rules for this tournament?¡±


    Miles didn¡¯t miss a beat, pointing a finger skyward as if delivering a lecture to the universe itself. ¡°All WAIFUs and support units compete in a semi-round robin format, with matchups decided randomly by the AI. To pass the examinations, participants need to secure five straight wins. And to win a match, they¡¯ve got two options: either force the opponent WAIFU into submission or destroy the head camera component of their Frame Unit. Simple, right?¡±


    ¡°Wait, isn¡¯t fighting a little bit¡­ hurtful?¡± Dianca asked, her voice tinged with concern as she pressed a finger to her lips. Her wide eyes and slightly tilted head added an innocent charm to her question. ¡°I know that we WAIFUs are built to fight against Cosmic Beasts, but what happens if the participants get injured in this tournament?¡±


    Miles waved a hand dismissively, his rainbow pompadour swaying slightly with the motion. ¡°Don¡¯t you worry your pretty little head, Dianca! Safety is priority number one, baby!¡± He struck a reassuring pose, resting a hand on his hip as he gestured toward the arena. ¡°WAIFUs will be suited up in cutting-edge safety bodysuits that nullify impacts. Plus, the WEEB systems are set to non-lethal parameters. The only thing taking a beating today is the Frame Units, so grab your umbrellas because it¡¯s going to be raining metal parts, baby!¡±Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    The crowd erupted in laughter and cheers, clearly energized by Miles¡¯s over-the-top delivery.


    Dianca clapped her hands together with delight, her blue hair shimmering as she twirled on the spot. ¡°Oh! I feel so much better knowing that! I can¡¯t wait to watch this amazing event!¡±


    ¡°You and me both!¡± Miles shot her a grin before turning his attention to the camera, his voice taking on a booming, theatrical tone. ¡°So, folks at home, grab your popcorn, crack open a beer, or whatever you¡¯ve got handy, because it¡¯s time for the main event! Let¡¯s get ready to rumble, baby!¡±


    As his words echoed through the coliseum, the crowd erupted into thunderous applause and cheers. The noise rose like a tidal wave, reverberating off the towering walls of the arena and shaking the very ground. Excitement buzzed through the air, setting the stage for the thrilling battles to come.


    <><><>


    I stood with my friends backstage, watching the emcees perform through the large monitor. Their energy and charisma lit up the screen, drawing cheers even from us behind the scenes. As the opening remarks wrapped up, I turned to take in the sight of everyone around me.


    The support units, myself included, were clad in our standard military-style uniforms, designed for practicality and ease of movement. The WAIFUs, however, wore sleek, skin-tight white bodysuits¡ªa variation of their usual attire for practical exams. The suits hugged every contour, emphasizing their athletic builds while highlighting the futuristic design that symbolized their role as humanity¡¯s defenders.


    ¡°Dianca really is beautiful,¡± Remuel murmured reverently, his hands clasped together as though praying to his personal goddess.


    ¡°I wish I could be as beautiful and confident as her,¡± Fei added softly, her voice tinged with admiration as her fingers intertwined in a similar gesture.


    My gaze shifted to my partner, Myrrh Alicent, standing off to the side. She seemed to be wrestling with her bodysuit¡¯s zipper, which had stubbornly stuck at the chest. The material was strained, revealing an ample amount of cleavage that made it look as though the suit might burst if she pushed it any further.


    ¡°Hnngggh¡­¡± Myrrh grunted in irritation as she tugged at the zipper with mounting frustration.


    Cindy, ever helpful, stepped forward, her reddish-orange afro bobbing with her movements. ¡°Oh, you want a hand?¡± she offered, but paused mid-reach, her brows furrowing. ¡°Wait, no. If I force it, I might ruin it. You¡¯ll need a gentler touch.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll help!¡± Fei volunteered eagerly, stepping up with her usual timid energy. She took hold of the zipper, her black afro framing her concentrated expression. But despite her best effort, it wouldn¡¯t budge. ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry,¡± Fei stammered, her cheeks reddening. ¡°I¡¯m a little clumsy¡­ and weak.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s okay,¡± Myrrh reassured her, though a tinge of exasperation lingered in her voice. She turned, her greenish-blonde hair swaying slightly, and her eyes landed on me. The moment our gazes met, her expression shifted instantly. Her face flushed, and she quickly covered her chest with her arms.


    ¡°What is it, Zaft? You like what you¡¯re seeing, you damn pervert?¡± she snapped, her voice sharp but tinged with embarrassment.


    I let out a long, exaggerated sigh. ¡°No. You''re just getting more weight. Have you considered exercising more and eating less?¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s blush deepened to a furious red as she reached for her morpher with an indignant growl. ¡°I¡¯ll shove this thing in your mouth!¡±


    ¡°Oh, shit!¡± I yelped, throwing my arms up to shield myself as she brandished the device like a weapon.


    The scene dissolved into chaos, the tension broken by our usual bickering. Somewhere in the background, I could hear Cindy laughing, and Fei mumbling something about wanting to help more. It was just another day with Myrrh, unpredictable as ever.


    Myrrh stomped forward, each step echoing loudly against the backstage floor. Her sapphire blue eyes blazed with determination as she grabbed my wrist and dragged me unceremoniously to a secluded corner of the backstage area, well out of anyone¡¯s sight.


    ¡°Instead of throwing insults at your partner, you should help, you nincompoop,¡± she huffed, puffing her cheeks in an adorable yet commanding pout.


    ¡°Ah, sorry,¡± I muttered, scratching the back of my head awkwardly. My gaze flickered downward to her puffed-up chest, the strained zipper, and the too-generous hint of cleavage beneath it. ¡°So, you want me to, uh¡­ zip it all the way up?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± she said sharply, her cheeks tinged with pink. ¡°But don¡¯t get any ideas. If your fingers so much as brush my skin, I¡¯ll kick your ass.¡±


    ¡°Fine, fine,¡± I said, sighing dramatically to mask my flustered state. ¡°Just tilt your chin up so I can do this carefully.¡±


    Myrrh tilted her head back, exposing the smooth curve of her neck. I stepped closer, the scent of her¡ªa soft, floral fragrance mixed with a hint of citrus¡ªwashing over me. Carefully, I positioned my right hand to grip the zipper, aligning the teeth with precision. Slowly but surely, I guided it upward, past her chest and collarbone, until it reached the base of her neck.


    Her neck... I couldn¡¯t help but linger for a split second. If I were a vampire, I¡¯d have bitten it right then and there¡ªit looked that tempting. But I snapped myself out of it, shaking the thought away.


    ¡°There,¡± I said, stepping back to admire my work. ¡°Goodness, you girls really need to learn the technique for something as simple as closing a zipper.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Zaft,¡± Myrrh replied softly. Her face was noticeably pink now, her expression shy as she swayed slightly, hands clasped behind her back. She looked up at me, her green-blonde long hair swishing as she asked, ¡°So, does this bodysuit look good on me?¡±


    I blinked, heat rushing to my cheeks as I stammered, ¡°Y-yeah. It¡­ shapes your Coca-Cola body perfectly.¡±


    Myrrh giggled, a sound that was equal parts teasing and charming. ¡°Don¡¯t get too horny, okay? We¡¯ve still got a tournament to win.¡±


    Her playful grin and bright demeanor left me utterly flustered, but all I could do was nod, knowing full well this was just another moment in the chaotic whirlwind that was Myrrh Alicent.

 Chapter 45 - Sophomore Boomerang

    Chapter 45 - Sophomore Boomerang


    Backstage, my friends and I crowded around the large screen, watching the battles unfold. The higher-year students displayed weapons I had never seen before, sleek and menacing, with designs that screamed precision and devastation. Their Frame Units were equally awe-inspiring; some seniors maneuvered with such grace that the metallic bulk of their armors seemed to vanish, leaving behind only fluid, deadly motion. The clang of metal against metal, punctuated by bursts of energy, filled the arena, a symphony of combat that held us spellbound.


    Somewhere around the fifth or sixth match, I felt a soft nudge against my stomach, breaking my trance. I turned to see Myrrh, her lime-blonde hair catching the backstage lights, holding up her phone as she glanced at me.


    ¡°Hey, our match is next. Let¡¯s head to the launch queue,¡± she said, her voice calm but her eyes gleaming with determination.


    ¡°Aight,¡± I replied, a faint grin tugging at my lips.


    We waved goodbye to our friends and made our way to the east-side queue. The roar of the coliseum grew louder with every step. From the waiting area, we had an unfiltered view of the final moments of the ongoing match. A yellow Frame Unit, its sleek armor glinting under the arena lights, swung its beam saber in a brilliant arc, severing the head of a green Frame Unit. Sparks erupted from the defeated machine, marking the dramatic end of the match.


    ¡°And the winner for this match is Examinee Pair Number 41, baby!¡± The emcee, Miles, boomed over the mic, his voice shaking the stands as the crowd erupted in cheers.


    ¡°Well, that was quick,¡± Myrrh muttered, her gaze lingering on the victorious Frame Unit before turning to me with a confident smile. ¡°Let¡¯s do the same thing, right, Zaft?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll make it quick, but let¡¯s make sure we win in the end,¡± I said, extending a fist toward Myrrh with a confident grin.


    She smirked, tapping her knuckles against mine. ¡°Who do you think I am, anyway? Just don¡¯t mess up my mother¡¯s teachings, got it?¡±


    We both laughed, a brief moment of levity in the charged atmosphere.


    The emcee¡¯s voice echoed through the arena, booming with excitement. ¡°And now, let¡¯s welcome our next Examinee Pairs¡ªNumber 11 and Number 14, baby!¡±


    The spotlight hit the entryway, bathing the launch corridor in a stark, brilliant glow. Myrrh and I stepped forward, the roar of the crowd swelling around us like a tidal wave. My gaze drifted to Myrrh as she strutted with effortless swagger¡ªher chest puffed, chin held high, and lime-blonde hair flicking behind her with every deliberate step. Her walk oozed confidence, almost daring anyone to underestimate her.


    Inspired, I tried to match her energy, straightening my back and stiffening my gait. Unfortunately, my attempt at "cool" swagger quickly devolved into a clunky, robotic march.


    ¡°What the hell are you doing, Zaft?¡± Myrrh hissed, her voice low but sharp with irritation.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know! I¡¯m trying to be cool!¡± I whispered back, my cheeks heating with embarrassment.


    ¡°Just walk normally, idiot!¡± she snapped, her eyes narrowing before she turned her focus back to the arena.


    Before I could adjust, an unfamiliar voice cut through our hushed argument. Deep and dripping with condescension, the man¡¯s words stopped us both in our tracks.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re our first opponents, huh?¡± he said, stepping into the light. His dark uniform gleamed with a predatory edge, his presence commanding attention. ¡°I can¡¯t say I¡¯m impressed. Freshmen like you managing to pass the written exams is laughable¡ªespecially considering one of the subjects isn¡¯t even part of your curriculum yet.¡±


    Myrrh and I turned our attention to our opponents. The support unit, who had just delivered his snide remark, was a strikingly handsome young man with chin-length blonde hair that seemed to catch the arena lights perfectly. Beside him stood his WAIFU¡ªa crimson-haired girl with a neatly tied ponytail, her face adorned with a constellation of freckles that softened her otherwise sharp expression.


    My eyes caught the yellow armbands on their uniforms, marking them as sophomores of Orbital Tech. It was no surprise¡ªthere were only a handful of freshmen like us who managed to pass the grueling written examinations. Still, the sight of those yellow bands brought a mix of relief and tension. We weren¡¯t up against third years, at least not yet, but the uphill climb was starting here and now.


    Myrrh placed her hands on her hips, glaring at the blonde support unit with a look that could melt steel. Her piercing blue eyes had a way of slicing through people, a weapon sharper than any beam saber. I knew that glare all too well¡ªhaving been on the receiving end of it more times than I cared to admit.


    ¡°Y-you¡¯ll pay for looking down on me, beansprouts!¡± the blonde sputtered, his composure cracking as he took a step forward.


    ¡°C-calm down, Nash!¡± his WAIFU, the freckled crimson-haired girl, said, her voice wavering as she tried to rein him in.


    Nash clenched his fists and turned to her. ¡°Let¡¯s beat them down, Tina!¡±


    I exchanged a glance with Myrrh, a smirk tugging at the corner of my mouth. She met my gaze, her lips curling into a smug grin. For once, that cutting glare of hers wasn¡¯t aimed at me but at our opponents. In this moment, her unshakable confidence felt like a shield, and I couldn¡¯t help but feel lucky to have her as my partner in both combat and this unspoken game of insults.


    ¡°Examinee WAIFUs, please step onto the red line. Examinee support units, proceed to the platform,¡± the emcee, Dianca, announced, her voice crisp and commanding over the coliseum¡¯s speakers.


    We followed the instructions without hesitation. As soon as I stepped onto the platform, it began to rise, floating upward like a sleek, futuristic elevator. Railings materialized around the edges, shimmering into existence for our safety. As the platform ascended, the expansive view of the coliseum unfolded before me¡ªa vast arena packed with roaring spectators, their cheers echoing like a thunderstorm. From forty meters above ground, I could see it all: the flashing lights, the vibrant banners, and the combat field that would soon become our battleground.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    ¡°Examination Battle will begin in three¡­ two¡­ one¡­¡± Dianca¡¯s voice resonated through the speakers, her countdown building the tension. "Begin!"


    ¡°Frame Unit, Awaken!¡± Myrrh and the crimson-haired WAIFU, Tina, simultaneously raised their morphers high, the devices gleaming in the artificial light.


    In an instant, twin pillars of light shot down from the heavens, engulfing the coliseum floor. From those radiant beams, their Frame Units began to take form, towering twenty-meter-tall mechs shimmering into existence like gods descending to the mortal plane. Our opponent¡¯s mech emerged first: a sleek, white machine adorned with blood-red plate armor, its green eyes glowing with a predatory intensity. But Myrrh¡¯s Frame Unit stood firm against it¡ªa formidable mech with sparking blue highlights, its polished surface catching the light as if daring anyone to challenge its might.


    I activated my WEEB System, and a holographic display erupted around me, presenting an array of weapon options for Myrrh¡¯s support. As I studied the options, trying to strategize, I caught sight of Nash on the opposing platform. He was leaning casually against the railing, his smug grin practically daring me to falter.


    ¡°Wow,¡± Nash drawled, his tone dripping with mockery. ¡°You have so few options to win this fight. Pathetic. My Clearance Level is 17, by the way. You might as well give up now.¡±


    His words hit like a taunt, but before I could stew on it, Myrrh¡¯s voice cut through, sharp and steady.


    ¡°Don¡¯t listen to that cockroach, Zaft. Focus on the fight.¡± Her calm confidence steadied my nerves as much as it fueled my resolve.


    ¡°Got it,¡± I replied, nodding as I tightened my focus on the hologram controls.


    ¡°Hey! Who are you calling a cockroach!?¡± Nash bellowed, stomping on the platform with enough force to make the railings vibrate. His face was a mix of indignation and determination as he jabbed at his holographic screen. ¡°I¡¯ll show you how advanced our weapons are!¡±


    Nash tapped on an option, his hand glowing faintly with circuits as he pointed toward his partner, Tina.


    ¡°Blade Shield, Equip!¡±


    In response, Tina¡¯s Frame Unit materialized a massive kite-shaped shield, its edges lined with gleaming, serrated blades that seemed to hum with latent energy. Without missing a beat, Tina surged forward, her shield leading the charge, its sharp edges slicing through the air with precision.


    Myrrh stood her ground, unarmed but unfazed. I frantically tapped on my own hologram interface, my arm sparking with glowing blue circuits. ¡°Beam Rifle, Equip!¡±


    A sleek, futuristic rifle shimmered into existence in Myrrh¡¯s hands, and she immediately opened fire. Precise beams of light shot toward Tina, cutting through the air with sharp, crackling sounds. But Tina¡¯s shield proved its worth¡ªshe raised it effortlessly, deflecting the lasers as she closed the distance.


    ¡°Ha!¡± Nash¡¯s voice boomed across the coliseum, dripping with arrogant confidence. ¡°That beam rifle is basic! Let me show you what real firepower looks like!¡± His fingers danced over his hologram interface, activating a new weapon with a flourish. ¡°Beam Tomahawk, Equip!¡±


    Tina¡¯s Frame Unit materialized a wicked-looking tomahawk, its blade glowing with a menacing green energy. Without slowing down, she cocked her arm back and hurled it forward with a fierce cry. ¡°Yah!¡±


    The beam tomahawk spun through the air, a whirling arc of destructive energy aimed directly at Myrrh.


    ¡°Evade!¡± I shouted, but Myrrh was already moving. She leaned hard to her left, the beam tomahawk slicing past her with mere centimeters to spare before circling back toward Tina like a guided missile.


    In the same fluid motion, Myrrh tossed aside her beam rifle, the weapon vanishing into particles, and activated her thrusters. Blue flames erupted from her Frame Unit¡¯s back as she launched herself forward, closing the gap between her and Tina with alarming speed.


    ¡°You¡¯re underestimating me by throwing your own weapon!¡± Tina roared, her voice echoing through the coliseum as her Frame Unit surged forward with a burst of fiery thrusters.


    Closing the gap with remarkable speed, Tina swung her bladed shield in a brutal arc, aiming straight for Myrrh¡¯s head. The sharp edges of the shield gleamed menacingly, promising a devastating impact.


    But Myrrh was quicker. In the split second before the blades could connect, she leaned back, bending her mech¡¯s upper body with precision and grace. The shield¡¯s razor edges sliced through the air, missing her by a hair¡¯s breadth.


    With the same fluid motion, Myrrh shifted her weight and engaged her thrusters. Blue flames flared from her right leg as she delivered a powerful kick aimed squarely at Tina¡¯s shield.


    ¡°Yaaaah!¡±


    The impact was thunderous, sending a resounding clang through the arena. The force of the kick drove Tina¡¯s shield slightly downward, its edge digging into the ground. But it wasn¡¯t enough¡ªthere was no visible damage, only a slight dent where Myrrh¡¯s foot had struck.


    From above, Nash¡¯s laughter rang out, smug and self-assured. ¡°Did you know?¡± he taunted, his voice dripping with mockery. ¡°One special feature of the beam tomahawk is that it doubles as a boomerang. It always returns to its owner!¡±


    My heart sank as I glanced at Myrrh, my stomach knotting with worry. ¡°Oh shit!¡± I yelled, realizing what was about to happen.


    Sure enough, the green beam tomahawk was hurtling back, its deadly energy blade spinning like a saw as it homed in on its target. It was moving too fast¡ªthere was no way Myrrh could react in time.


    Or so I thought.


    Myrrh didn¡¯t so much as flinch. It was as if she had anticipated the weapon¡¯s trajectory from the moment it was thrown. With a sharp cry, she delivered another thunderous kick to Tina¡¯s shield, forcing it downward once more. The sudden force destabilized Tina just enough for Myrrh to use the momentum of her kick to propel herself backward into a perfectly timed backflip.


    Her Frame Unit arced gracefully through the air, the thrusters on her back flaring brilliantly as she twisted out of the tomahawk¡¯s path. The deadly weapon whizzed past her, narrowly missing her midair form, before returning to Tina¡¯s outstretched hand.


    The crowd erupted in cheers and gasps, the display of agility and foresight leaving everyone on the edge of their seats.


    ¡°Nice try,¡± Myrrh said, her tone as cold and sharp as the glare of her Frame Unit¡¯s glowing eyes.


    ¡°What the¡ª! How can you move so fast¡ª?!¡± Tina¡¯s startled cry was cut short as disaster struck.


    The beam tomahawk, spinning with unrelenting energy, came barreling back toward her Frame Unit. In her haste to intercept it, Tina misjudged the timing. The deadly weapon bypassed her grasp entirely, its glowing blade slashing cleanly through the neck of her mech. Sparks erupted like fireworks, and with a sickening metallic groan, the Frame Unit¡¯s head toppled to the ground, crashing against the arena floor with a thunderous clang.


    The crowd gasped collectively, the sound a mixture of shock and exhilaration.


    For a moment, there was silence as Tina¡¯s Frame Unit powered down, its hulking, decapitated form slumping forward in defeat.


    ¡°Ah! I lost my head there¡ªliterally!¡± Tina¡¯s voice crackled through the comms, tinged with both embarrassment and disbelief.


    From the opposite platform, Nash stood frozen, his jaw hanging open as if he couldn¡¯t comprehend what had just happened. ¡°W-whaaaaaaaat¡­?¡± he stammered, his disbelief palpable.


    The emcee¡¯s cheerful voice broke through the stunned atmosphere. ¡°Battle Over!¡± Dianca announced, her tone brimming with enthusiasm. ¡°The winner of this match is Miss Myrrh Alicent¡ªoops, pardon me¡ªExaminee Number 11!¡±


    The coliseum erupted in cheers, the audience¡¯s excitement shaking the very air.


    Myrrh¡¯s Frame Unit shimmered and dissolved into light as she reverted to her human form, her expression as calm and composed as ever. Tina also returned to her human state, though her flushed cheeks betrayed her embarrassment. Meanwhile, our support platforms descended back to ground level.


    As we stepped off the platform, Myrrh wasted no time striding over to Nash, her presence commanding attention. Standing before him, she let a confident grin spread across her face and flicked her lime-blonde hair over her shoulder with theatrical flair.


    ¡°It¡¯s just a basic skill,¡± she said with casual arrogance, her tone oozing with self-assurance.


    For once, I didn¡¯t mind her smug attitude. In fact, I couldn¡¯t help but admire it. The way she handled herself¡ªon and off the battlefield¡ªmade it clear she was someone to be reckoned with.


    Nash, for his part, could only sputter, struggling to come up with a response as the crowd continued to cheer for the unexpected yet spectacular victory.

 Chapter 46 - Root Beer Encounter

    Chapter 46 - Root Beer Encounter


    When I was in the arena, time seemed to stretch endlessly. Each moment felt like an eternity as I reacted to my opponent¡¯s every move. But now, as a spectator, it¡¯s the opposite¡ªeverything rushes past in a blur, like flipping through the pages of a book too quickly. Watching my friends Fei Xian and Neil Orbeus take the stage, the action feels relentless, almost overwhelming.


    The third-year opponent looms over them in a sleek white-and-yellow Frame Unit, armed with shoulder-mounted beam cannons and menacing clawed shields gripped tightly in each hand. The air hums with the tension of high-energy weapons charging, the crackle of the arena¡¯s protective barriers resonating faintly in the background.


    ¡°Divine Fist, Activate!¡± Neil¡¯s voice cuts through the chaos as he taps the glowing [Ultimate] option on his holographic HUD. His outstretched hand ignites with radiant energy, the glow brightening until it pulses like a miniature star. He points at Fei, and the energy flows into her Frame Unit.


    Fei¡¯s orange mech comes alive with roaring flames, her fists glowing like molten steel fresh from the forge. She casts aside her light shield and beam rifle, her frame shifting into a poised mecha-karate stance, each movement deliberate and sharp.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do this, Neil!¡± she shouts, her voice crackling over the comms. Her confidence is electrifying. With a powerful push, her thrusters flare, sending her hurtling forward. The arena floor blurs beneath her as she closes the distance, beams of searing light lancing toward her from the opponent¡¯s cannons.


    The beams streak past, grazing her Frame Unit¡¯s armored plates, but Fei doesn¡¯t falter. Her Divine Fist punches through the barrage, the flames burning brighter with every step. The moment she¡¯s within striking range, the opponent¡¯s beam cannons fold backward, retreating into their storage position as the clawed shields rise, glinting dangerously under the arena lights.


    ¡°You¡¯ll never win at close range!¡± the opposing WAIFU bellows, her synthetic voice amplified and harsh. The clawed shields slash forward in rapid arcs, each swing leaving trails of sparks in the air.


    But Fei is faster. Her movements are a blur of precision, dodging each slash with a dancer¡¯s grace and a warrior¡¯s focus. Left, right, duck, sidestep¡ªher Frame Unit¡¯s thrusters fire in perfect synchronicity with her reflexes.


    Then she counters. With a roar, she slams her blazing Divine Fist into the enemy¡¯s metallic head. The flames lick hungrily at the armor, melting it partially on impact. The force of the blow is unstoppable; the head of the opponent¡¯s Frame Unit snaps clean off, tumbling to the ground with a deafening clang.


    The defeated Frame Unit crumpled to its knees, its systems flickering off as it bowed under its own weight. A hollow clang echoed through the arena, marking the end of the battle.


    ¡°The winner for this match is Examinee Number 12!¡± Dianca¡¯s voice rang out, amplified by the arena¡¯s speakers. The crowd erupted into cheers, their applause rippling like a wave across the stands.


    Fei and Neil¡¯s victory was undeniable, their teamwork leaving a mark not just on their opponent, but on everyone watching. It was a few moments before they returned to the waiting lounge, their footsteps light despite the exertion of the fight.


    The warmth of camaraderie filled the room as Myrrh and Cindy rushed to embrace Fei, their excitement bubbling over in laughter and congratulations. Remuel approached Neil with an easy grin, offering a fist bump. I stood by, feeling the unspoken obligation to welcome them back with the same enthusiasm they¡¯d shown me after my own match.


    ¡°Congratulations on winning the match,¡± I said, meeting Neil¡¯s knuckles with my own in a firm but friendly bump.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Neil replied, his voice steady but laced with determination. ¡°You too. Four more fights to go.¡±


    ¡°I just hope we don¡¯t end up fighting each other,¡± Remuel added, his tone lighter, though a flicker of unease crossed his face.


    We fell into an easy rhythm of conversation, the tension of the arena momentarily replaced by the relaxed chatter of friends. But the moment was short-lived. The television in the lounge crackled to life, drawing everyone¡¯s attention as the emcee¡¯s energetic voice boomed through the speakers.


    ¡°Next match will be Examinee 13 versus Examinee 75!¡± shouted Emcee Miles, his excitement palpable even through the screen.


    Remuel froze for a second, then muttered, ¡°Oh shit, it¡¯s our turn now.¡± His words were hurried as he grabbed Cindy by the shoulder, steering her toward the exit.


    Cindy¡¯s usual confidence flickered into something sharper, her gaze locking onto Remuel¡¯s. ¡°Don¡¯t screw this up,¡± she said with a grin that was equal parts encouragement and challenge.


    ¡°Go get ¡¯em, tiger.¡± Neil said with a grin, punctuating his encouragement with a playful slap on Remuel¡¯s butt.


    Remuel shot Neil a knowing smile, the tension of the impending match momentarily lightened by the gesture. He turned to Cindy, who was already waiting with her arms crossed, her confident stance a stark contrast to the nervous energy in the room.


    Together, Cindy and Remuel strode into the corridor, their footsteps echoing down the metallic hallway as the rest of us lingered in the lounge.


    I glanced at Neil, who seemed relaxed as ever, then shifted my attention to Myrrh. She was deep in conversation with Fei, who looked noticeably drained. Fei¡¯s orange Frame Unit might have been a blazing inferno in the arena, but here in the waiting lounge, she was the picture of exhaustion. Sweat glistened on her brow, her cheeks flushed from the intense fight.


    ¡°Phew,¡± Fei exhaled, running a hand through her short black hair, now damp with sweat. ¡°That earlier fight took everything out of me. Using my Ultimate this early in the examinations puts me at a major disadvantage for the next matches.¡±The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, Fei,¡± Myrrh said, her voice warm and reassuring. She offered Fei one of her signature smiles, bright enough to cut through the tension. ¡°You faced a third-year, so it¡¯s understandable. Who knows? Maybe you can Divine Fist every opponent all the way to the fifth match!¡±


    Fei chuckled weakly, her lips curving into a smile that didn¡¯t quite reach her eyes. ¡°I hope so,¡± she said, though her tone wavered. She wiped her forehead with the back of her hand, but the sweat still beaded on her skin.


    Neil, ever attentive, stepped to her side and held out a neatly folded handkerchief. ¡°Here,¡± he said simply.


    ¡°Thanks!¡± Fei¡¯s cheeks tinted a soft pink as she took the handkerchief, giggling shyly as she dabbed at her forehead.


    Watching the scene unfold, I felt a small pang of responsibility. They deserved a little more than just congratulations for their victory. Raising my hand, I broke the moment with a suggestion. ¡°Hey, you guys want a drink? I¡¯m heading to the vending machine.¡±


    ¡°Oh, great! Oolong jasmine tea for me!¡± Myrrh chimed in, raising her hand as though she were in a classroom. Her blonde-green hair bounced as she leaned forward eagerly.


    ¡°Can you grab me a cola? I¡¯ll just pay you later, if that''s okay with you,¡± Fei added, her voice carrying a touch of gratitude as she flashed me a tired smile.


    ¡°Hey Zaft! Give me an energy drink,¡± Neil called out as I headed for the door.


    ¡°Okay, order received,¡± I replied with a quick wave, leaving the lounge behind.


    The corridor buzzed with activity as I walked, my footsteps soft against the polished floor. WAIFU and support examinees dotted the area, some deep in last-minute preparations, others standing by their partners, their expressions a mix of nervousness and determination. The metallic hum of the building mixed with the distant roar of the crowd and the occasional announcement from the loudspeakers, creating a constant undercurrent of sound.


    Judging by the number of examinees left, we¡¯d likely be here until six in the evening, maybe later. The thought crossed my mind to pick up some packed lunches for Myrrh and myself¡ªanything to avoid enduring hunger pangs halfway through this marathon of matches.


    Eventually, I reached the vending machine and began collecting the drinks: a bottle of oolong jasmine tea, cola, an energy drink, and a root beer for myself. Balancing all four bottles against my chest, I immediately regretted not grabbing a recyclable or plastic bag back at the lounge. Hugging the bottles awkwardly, I stooped to pick up the last one, almost losing my grip in the process.


    As I straightened up, a flash of silver caught my eye. A girl was approaching, her long wavy silver hair shimmering under the corridor lights. Her golden eyes practically glowed, sharp and captivating, like they held a thousand untold stories. Her beauty struck me instantly¡ªshe was effortlessly stunning, on the same level as Dianca Fritz or maybe even Myrrh.


    But it wasn¡¯t just her looks that turned heads; it was the way she carried herself. She walked with a deliberate elegance, her hips swaying with a subtle rhythm, her posture confident and self-assured. There was a sassiness to her movements that suggested she was fully aware of the attention she commanded. The red armband on her sleeve marked her as a third-year, a tier above me in more ways than one.


    I may not have much experience with relationships¡ªokay, let¡¯s call it what it is, zero¡ªbut even I knew this girl radiated ¡°girlfriend material.¡± The kind of person who could make someone feel both awestruck and utterly unworthy with a single glance.


    Unable to resist, my eyes followed her as she stopped in front of the vending machine. She slipped a coin into the slot with practiced ease, her fingers lingering momentarily on the buttons before she pressed one: root beer.


    The vending machine responded with a shrill red warning light and an obnoxious buzzer sound.


    Her golden eyes narrowed at the machine as though it had personally insulted her. She huffed softly, brushing a strand of silver hair over her shoulder, and jabbed the button again.


    Nothing.


    I stood there, clutching my collection of drinks and watching her battle the machine. For someone so composed and poised, this minor hiccup felt strangely humanizing. Should I step in? Or would that come across as weird?


    [Root Beer is out of stock.]


    ¡°Awww¡­¡± The silver-haired beauty whimpered softly, her voice carrying an almost childlike disappointment. She pouted, her lips forming a delicate curve, and for a moment, she looked less like the poised upperclassman I¡¯d imagined and more like a sulking puppy. ¡°I really wanted that root beer¡­¡±


    ¡°Um, excuse me.¡±


    My words caught her attention immediately. She turned, her golden eyes locking onto mine with a piercing gaze. Her composed expression held a chill, but something about her still radiated undeniable charm. Cute, even. Maybe on par with Fei Xian, though Fei had her own unique energy.


    ¡°Yes?¡± she asked, tilting her head slightly.


    I swallowed, trying not to look too awkward while balancing my stash of drinks. ¡°If you want, you can take this root beer.¡±


    Her expression brightened in an instant. ¡°Really?¡± she said, her voice lifting with excitement.


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Really really?¡± she asked again, her silver hair bouncing as she hopped slightly.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah,¡± I replied, a little bemused.


    ¡°Thanks!¡± Her face lit up with the kind of radiant smile that could probably end wars. She plucked the root beer from my arms with a delicate touch. Then, with a playful smirk, she added, ¡°I¡¯ll remember this, mister street thug!¡±


    And with that, she turned on her heel, skipping away with a lightness that belied her earlier disappointment.


    I let out a long sigh, my arms now one drink lighter. ¡°Great,¡± I muttered under my breath. ¡°Tried to be a gentleman, and all I got was a sugar-coated thanks with an insult filling.¡±


    The vending machine hummed in idle readiness. I glanced at it, debating whether I should indulge my curiosity. With Myrrh¡¯s oolong jasmine tea already on my shopping list, I pressed the button. The machine whirred, and a bottle clunked into the tray.


    I picked it up, giving the label a skeptical look. ¡°Weird iced teas aren¡¯t my thing,¡± I murmured, ¡°but if Myrrh likes it, it must be good. We usually have the same taste in food.¡±


    Drinks in hand, I made my way back to the lounge. The moment I stepped inside, I froze. Myrrh, Fei, and Neil were huddled together, their expressions wide-eyed and slack-jawed, their focus entirely on the large television screen mounted on the wall.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± I asked, but their silence only deepened the knot forming in my stomach.


    I turned to the screen, and my breath caught.


    There, on the live broadcast, Cindy¡¯s Frame Unit stood battered and sparking, its armor shredded and its systems teetering on the brink of failure. Smoke billowed from its joints, and its movements were sluggish as it staggered, clearly moments from collapse.


    Her voice crackled through the speakers, filled with raw defiance. ¡°If I cannot advance in this round, neither will you!¡± Cindy roared, her words carrying both fury and determination.


    In the corner of the screen, Remuel¡¯s face appeared, his expression pale and stricken. ¡°B-but!¡± he stammered, tears brimming in his eyes.


    ¡°Do it!¡± Cindy shouted, her voice resolute.


    Remuel hesitated only a moment longer before tapping the [Ultimate] option on his WEEB System. His trembling hand glowed as he pointed it toward Cindy¡¯s WAIFU. ¡°Self-Destruct, Activate!¡±


    The screen flared white as the explosion tore through the arena, a deafening roar shaking the room even through the broadcast. The sound of my friends¡¯ collective gasps filled the silence that followed.


    I stood there, the drinks in my arms forgotten, staring at the screen as the brilliance of the explosion slowly faded.


    ¡°Did she just¡­?¡± Myrrh¡¯s voice trailed off, barely above a whisper.


    "Yeah. She just have to blow it up." I replied.

 Chapter 47 - Crimson Curse

    Chapter 47 - Crimson Curse


    After that explosive match, my friends and I found refuge in a fast-food chain just outside the coliseum. The school cafeteria was packed to the brim, leaving us no choice but to indulge in greasy burgers and fries that carried about as much nutritional value as cardboard.


    There she was¡ªour exploding star, Cindy¡ªtearing through a towering stack of Giant Macs as though the apocalypse was coming and calories no longer mattered. Her ferocious appetite might have stemmed from the stress of the last match, but I had a hunch she was also devouring her frustration.


    Cindy looked like she had just walked through a battlefield¡ªher reddish hair now reduced to crispy, curled tufts, as if it had been electrocuted. Her face glistened under the fluorescent lights, streaked with sweat and grease, giving her an oddly comical yet pitiable appearance. None of us dared to comment on it, though; we were all quietly choosing kindness over cruelty.


    At one point, she grabbed a handful of fries¡ªfar too many for one bite¡ªand shoved them into her mouth, only to start coughing violently seconds later. ¡°Kehoo! Kehoo!¡± she hacked and sputtered, her eyes widening as if she¡¯d just realized fries weren¡¯t meant to be inhaled. Remuel, ever the reliable partner, slid his cola toward her without a word, his expression somewhere between concern and exasperation.


    ¡°Chill down, Cindy,¡± he said flatly, watching her gulp down the soda. ¡°The burgers aren¡¯t going to run away, so maybe slow down a bit?¡±


    Cindy hardly paused, her voice muffled by the mouthful of food. ¡°¡¯S so unfaiw!¡± munch ¡°Why d¡¯ I hafta deal wif a thi¡¯th-year¡ªgulp¡ªrigh¡¯ in th¡¯ firs¡¯ roun¡¯! chomp An¡¯ my se¡¯f-destruct Ultimate¡­¡± she paused just long enough to cram in another bite, ¡°¡­don¡¯ even do me any favors, eitha!¡±


    I grimaced, cringing at the sight. ¡°My goodness, Cindy,¡± I said, shaking my head. ¡°Would it kill you to swallow your food before launching into a rant like that?¡±


    ¡°Be considerate, you incel goon.¡± Myrrh shot me a withering glare, her amber eyes practically cutting through me. ¡°You should know how girls feel when they¡¯re frustrated. Read the room, won¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Fuck you,¡± I shot back casually, sipping through the straw of my cola as the fizz bubbled up against my teeth.


    Cindy, now finally in control of her chewing, swallowed down the last monstrous bite and slammed her greasy hands onto the table for emphasis. ¡°You girls better avenge me!¡± she declared, her voice booming across the tiny fast-food booth. ¡°Promise me you¡¯ll get that license, Myrrh and Fei!¡±


    ¡°I-I¡¯ll do my best!¡± Fei stammered nervously, her cheeks reddening as she pumped her fists like a rookie boxer trying to psych herself up.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Myrrh replied smoothly, flicking her long lime-green hair with practiced confidence. The gesture sent her black ribbons fluttering. ¡°I¡¯ll do it for you, even if you didn¡¯t ask.¡±


    Her nonchalant determination made the air feel heavier, almost like the promise had weight to it.


    I turned slightly, catching Remuel out of the corner of my eye. He was smiling¡ªwide, unblinking¡ªand something about it sent a chill crawling up my spine. It was the kind of smile you¡¯d expect from someone plotting your downfall, and it had my nerves on edge.


    ¡°What¡¯s with you?¡± I muttered, leaning closer to confront him.


    Instead of answering my suspicion, Remuel grinned even wider and spoke with eerie cheer. ¡°You two should do your best as well, Zaft. And you too, Neil.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, count on me!¡± Neil exclaimed, his fist shooting into the air like he was rallying a crowd, knuckles clenching as if gripping victory itself. His unshakable confidence could almost be contagious.


    Matching his energy, I placed a hand over my heart, lowering my head as though delivering a eulogy. ¡°I will definitely avenge you two. Your spirits will be with me in the upcoming battles. Rest in peace, my friends.¡± My voice dripped with exaggerated solemnity, the kind reserved for cheesy action movies.


    ¡°Wow, rude much?!¡± Cindy practically shrieked, smacking her palms on the table as her face turned red. She puffed her cheeks out like an upset child denied dessert. ¡°I¡¯m not dead yet!¡±


    ¡°Hey, what¡¯s with the ¡®yet¡¯ part?¡± Myrrh cut in, her brows furrowed and lips pressed into a worried line. She leaned toward me with narrowed eyes, her usual composed demeanor cracking just a bit. ¡°Are you trying to jinx yourself or something?¡±


    Remuel heaved a long, dramatic sigh, as though he¡¯d borne the weight of this conversation far too many times. ¡°Cindy¡¯s always paranoid that her next self-detonating Ultimate is gonna actually kill her.¡±


    I glanced at Cindy, who sulked deeper into her seat, arms crossed tightly like a barricade against the conversation. Her now slightly frizzed afro and grease-smeared face added an almost tragic flair to her dramatics.


    <><><>


    The afternoon sun hung heavy over the coliseum, casting long shadows across the sprawling arena as the tournament''s second match roared to life. The stands buzzed with excitement, a mix of cheers and chatter echoing through the air. After a string of earlier matches, it was finally Fei and Neil¡¯s turn.


    Their opponents stood across the field¡ªa tall, blue-haired WAIFU radiating a quiet confidence and a chubby support-unit student standing slightly behind her. Both of them wore matching red armbands, the unmistakable mark of third-year students. Third years. That was tough luck.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Fei and Neil exchanged glances, their unspoken resolve solidifying like tempered steel.


    ¡°Examinee Number 12 versus Examinee Number 54!¡± The emcee, Miles, bellowed into his mic, his voice booming with electrifying energy. ¡°Let the second set of battle begin, baby!¡±


    The crowd erupted as the platforms for the support units hissed and whirred, rising into the air. Down on the field, both WAIFUs simultaneously thrust their morphers into the sky, their movements crisp and practiced.


    ¡°Frame Unit, AWAKEN!¡±


    Fei¡¯s morpher flashed, a burst of orange light exploding around her. In a blink, she transformed, her petite frame replaced by a towering, orange-and-white giant mech that hit the ground with a resounding THUD. Across from her, her opponent shimmered into their sky-blue Frame Unit, its metallic surface glinting under the sunlight as it loomed like a skyscraper.


    ¡°We¡¯ll finish this fast, Fei!¡± Neil¡¯s voice cut through the commotion, sharp and full of determination. He stood on his raised platform, his fingers moving swiftly across his WEEB System, its holographic HUD flaring to life in front of him.


    ¡°Got it!¡± Fei responded, her voice brimming with energy. She shifted her Frame Unit into a fighter¡¯s stance, the ground beneath her mech trembling as she adjusted her footing.


    Neil¡¯s gaze narrowed as he pressed a glowing button on his HUD. The [Ultimate] command flared to life, sending veins of fiery orange circuits racing up his arm. His eyes locked onto Fei¡¯s mech.


    ¡°Divine Fist, Activate!¡±


    Orange energy exploded outward, wrapping Fei¡¯s mech in a roaring, flame-like aura. Her fists ignited, now blazing with the incandescent glow of molten steel. Every joint and panel of her Frame Unit vibrated with raw, barely-contained power.


    Without a moment¡¯s hesitation, Fei launched forward. The ground beneath her cracked and splintered from the sheer force of her boost, sending plumes of dust and debris spiraling into the air.


    ¡°Hyaaaaaah!¡± Fei¡¯s battle cry tore through the arena as she surged ahead, fists blazing and spirit aflame.


    The crowd erupted once more, their cheers rising in waves as the two giants prepared to clash, the tension crackling like a live wire.


    ¡°Heavy Shield, Equip!¡± the third-year support unit bellowed, his voice ringing like a war cry. His glowing hand extended toward his partner WAIFU, fingers slicing through the air with command.


    In response, the sky-blue mech shimmered as a blinding light erupted across its arm. With a metallic clang, a massive rectangular shield materialized, its sheer size intimidating¡ªlike a moving fortress wall, layered with five slabs of reinforced steel. The mech hefted the shield into position, its polished surface catching the afternoon sunlight as if daring Fei to strike.


    But Fei wasn¡¯t about to stop.


    With boosters igniting, Fei surged forward like an orange comet, her mech¡¯s flaming fists crackling with energy. ¡°Haaaaah!¡± she shouted, her voice resonating through the Frame Unit¡¯s speakers. She swung a devastating right hook, aiming for the mech¡¯s core.


    BOOM!


    The punch connected with the shield, the impact ringing out like a gong. Divine flames sputtered across the surface, scattering into embers, but the shield held. The force, however, sent tremors rippling through the arena floor, shaking the stands.


    ¡°Keep attacking, Fei!¡± Neil¡¯s voice cut through the chaos from above, his tone sharp with resolve.


    ¡°Wilco!¡± Fei¡¯s roar reverberated through her mech, and she followed through.


    Her left fist shot forward, slamming into the shield. THUD! Then her right again¡ªBOOM!¡ªeach strike faster and stronger than the last. Shockwaves exploded outward with every blow, sending debris and dust whipping across the battlefield. The air crackled with kinetic energy as Fei transformed into a relentless storm of punches, her Frame Unit pounding the shield over and over like a battering ram.


    The sky-blue mech braced desperately, its knees bending under the brutal onslaught. Metallic groans escaped from the shield as fissures spread across its once-imposing surface, each fracture spider-webbing further. The third-year team was on the back foot, and they knew it.


    The opponent support unit wiped his brow, his WEEB System interface flickering at his fingertips as he swiped to the next command. He couldn¡¯t let this continue.


    ¡°Steel Longblade, Equip!¡± he commanded, his voice breaking through the air like a thunderclap.


    A cybernetic circle spun into existence beside the sky-blue mech, glowing with an electric hum. From its center, a massive steel blade emerged, sleek and deadly¡ªa weapon made to slice through titans. The mech gripped it in one fluid motion, the sword glinting ominously as it was raised into position.


    Fei barely had time to react.


    Fei managed to intercept the first slash with her blazing steel fist, the impact ringing out like a cannon blast. Sparks erupted, the orange flames of her Divine Fist clashing with the cold, unforgiving steel of the longblade. But the opponent¡¯s follow-up strike came too quickly.


    SHUNK!


    The blade carved a shallow gash across her Frame Unit¡¯s waist, severing armor plating with a screeching wail. Chunks of metal clattered onto the arena floor, bouncing like fallen debris. Fei staggered back, her mech trembling from the blow. For a second, I thought it was over¡ªthat her Frame Unit would topple.


    But it didn¡¯t.


    At least she wasn¡¯t beheaded.


    ¡°Now¡¯s your chance!¡± Neil¡¯s voice tore through the comms, raw with urgency.


    I glanced up toward his support unit platform¡ªand froze. There, glowing like molten lava beneath his skin, crimson veins pulsed and crawled along Neil''s neck, spreading like spiderwebs. They branched outward, creeping up the right side of his face, illuminating his features in a sickly red light. My stomach knotted at the sight¡ªit wasn¡¯t the sleek, cybernetic glow of the WEEB System we all knew. This was different. Organic. Wrong.


    ¡°What the hell¡­¡± I whispered, my voice barely audible.


    My gaze darted to Myrrh, seated beside me. She, too, stared wide-eyed at the platform, her face pale with confusion and unease. For once, we shared the same thought¡ªwhat the hell was happening to Neil?


    And then, it happened.


    ¡°I yield!¡±


    Fei¡¯s voice cracked through the speakers, raw and unexpected. I snapped my head back to the screen, disbelief gripping me.


    Fei stood frozen in her Frame Unit form, towering over the battlefield. Both of her metallic arms were raised high above her, the universal sign of surrender. The flames surrounding her fists sputtered and died, leaving only the dim glow of her mech¡¯s systems.


    The arena went dead silent.


    No cheers. No jeers. Just silence.


    It was as if time had stalled. None of us had expected Fei¡ªthe fighter who burned with endless spirit¡ªto give up. And then our attention shifted again, drawn like a magnet to the support unit platform.


    Neil was on his knees.


    His entire body convulsed violently, his arms spasming as if his joints had turned to jelly. His head jerked back, and his mouth foamed, white froth spilling at the corners. The crimson veins along his neck and face flickered like dying embers, pulsating with an eerie, unstable light.


    ¡°What the fuck¡­?¡± I muttered, the words barely leaving my lips.


    My heart hammered in my chest, my skin prickling with cold dread. This wasn¡¯t a glitch. This wasn¡¯t normal. Whatever was happening to Neil¡ªwhatever had triggered this¡ªwas something else entirely.


    Myrrh grabbed my arm, her grip tight and trembling. ¡°Zaft¡­ what¡¯s going on?¡±


    I didn¡¯t have an answer.


    On the screen, Fei¡¯s mech stood still, unmoving. Neil¡¯s shaking form looked impossibly small and fragile, surrounded by flickering crimson veins. For the first time in a long while, the tournament didn¡¯t feel like a game anymore.


    It felt like a warning.


    And all I could think was: What the fucking hell is going on?

 Chapter 48 - Shock and Awe

    Chapter 48 - Shock and Awe


    Right after the match, Myrrh and I rushed to the arena to check on our friend. The air was thick with tension, the faint scent of smoke and antiseptic lingering from the aftermath of the battle. As we arrived, the sight before us sent a chill down my spine. Neil lay on a stretcher, his body limp and pale, being wheeled away by medics clad in hazmat suits. Their hurried movements spoke volumes. Fei stood nearby, her tear-streaked face crumpled in despair, her voice hoarse from crying Neil¡¯s name over and over, as if sheer willpower could wake him.


    Neil was unconscious, but the sight of him was deeply unsettling. Glowing crimson veins had crept over half his body, their eerie luminescence casting an otherworldly glow against his pallid skin. His entire left side was engulfed in this terrifying affliction, the veins pulsating faintly like living things. Even in his unconscious state, his face betrayed sheer agony, his features contorted as though locked in an eternal grimace of pain.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Myrrh¡¯s voice cracked as she broke the silence.


    ¡°I-It¡¯s his sickness!¡± Fei sobbed, her voice trembling with despair. ¡°He¡¯s ill!¡±


    Before we could process her words, Cindy and Remuel appeared, their expressions painted with alarm. They had arrived too late. The medics had already secured Neil in the space ambulance. The vehicle¡¯s sirens pierced the air, flashing red and blue lights illuminating the somber scene. It was a dire emergency, and none of us dared to hold them back. Time was Neil¡¯s enemy now.


    ¡°What happened to Neil?¡± Cindy¡¯s voice wavered, her worry palpable.


    Myrrh turned to Cindy, her gaze heavy with uncertainty and sorrow. She shook her head slowly. ¡°Fei said it¡¯s some kind of sickness. Neil must have been hiding it for a long time.¡±


    The weight of her words settled on us like a suffocating fog. Our faces mirrored the same worry, the same helplessness. Neil¡ªalways so vibrant, so full of energy and that goofy, infectious smile¡ªwas now a fragile, broken figure. It was hard to reconcile the image of the cheerful friend we knew with the person lying on that stretcher.


    Yet, deep down, a bitter truth gnawed at me. I¡¯d read somewhere that people often mask their struggles with laughter, using joy as a shield. Perhaps Neil¡¯s carefree demeanor had been his way of coping all along. And now, that shield had shattered, leaving him vulnerable and exposed.


    Soon, we heard rushing footsteps. When we turned toward the arena entrance, we saw Dianca, the examination¡¯s host, running as if her life depended on it. She clutched the end of her skirt in one hand to keep it from slowing her down, her urgency palpable.


    ¡°Myrrh! Cindy! Where¡¯s Mister Orbeus?¡± Dianca¡¯s voice was breathless as she skidded to a halt, her chest heaving.


    ¡°The space ambulance has already departed,¡± Myrrh replied, her tone edged with worry. ¡°Fei is with him, but we¡¯re still quite anxious.¡±


    ¡°I was shocked to see him convulsing earlier,¡± Dianca said, her voice trembling. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. ¡°Is he going to be okay?¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t know for sure,¡± I answered, unable to hide the uncertainty in my tone.


    Remuel stepped forward and gently held Cindy¡¯s hand. ¡°We¡¯ll go to the hospital and check on Neil¡¯s condition.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll come with you!¡± Dianca exclaimed, placing a hand over her heart. ¡°Mister Miles Oberyn will take over announcer duties for this afternoon, so I¡¯m completely free. Besides, I¡¯m so worried about Mister Orbeus.¡±


    ¡°Okay then,¡± Cindy nodded in approval. Just before Myrrh and I could utter a word, Cindy turned her sharp gaze on us, her expression firm. ¡°You two, stay here. Your second match for this tournament will start shortly.¡±


    ¡°But we¡¯re quite worried as well,¡± I protested.


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure Neil would hate it if you two lost by default for not attending your matches,¡± Remuel said with a reassuring smile, patting my shoulder. ¡°Go win that license. You two are the only ones we can count on since we all lost our matches.¡±


    Myrrh and I fell silent, exchanging a glance. In that moment, no words were needed. A single nod between us served as silent confirmation, even though neither of us truly knew what the other was thinking.


    Myrrh placed her hands on her hips and straightened her posture. ¡°Got it. After our match, we¡¯ll be right behind you.¡±


    ¡°Make sure you win that fight, Myrrh, Zaft!¡± Cindy said, waving as she and Remuel disappeared down the corridor at a brisk pace.


    ¡°Good luck, Myrrh! Good luck, Mister Zaft!¡± Dianca chimed in, blowing a playful kiss as she hurried after them.


    And then, they were gone. Myrrh and I stood alone in the quiet corridor. The lingering tension hung in the air, but as I turned to her and smiled, she returned the gesture, her expression softening. In that brief moment, our shared determination felt like an unspoken promise.


    <><><>If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    There were only three matches before ours, each a whirlwind of intensity. Though most bouts were over in less than four minutes, every passing second felt like an eternity, keeping Myrrh and me on edge. I paced relentlessly around the waiting room, the rhythm of my boots echoing against the sterile walls. Myrrh sat on a metal bench, her hands clasped tightly in her lap as she tried to steady her breathing, her gaze distant yet sharp, as if she were battling an invisible foe within her mind.


    When our examinee number crackled over the intercom, we exchanged a brief glance and moved toward the battlefield entrance without a word. The silence between us felt heavier with every step, but I couldn¡¯t let it linger.


    ¡°Say,¡± I began, my voice low but deliberate, ¡°do you want to catch up with them already? We could end this quickly with your Ultimate.¡±


    She slowed her stride, her eyebrows knitting together in thought. ¡°Are you sure? Wouldn¡¯t that be reckless?¡± she asked, her voice tinged with hesitation. ¡°Revealing my Ultimate so early in the tournament¡­ it feels rash.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve got a point,¡± I admitted, exhaling in resignation. ¡°Okay, how about that skill I picked up from your mother¡ª¡±


    But before I could finish, her expression shifted. Determination flared in her eyes, and the corner of her mouth curved into a confident smile.


    ¡°I¡¯ve changed my mind,¡± she declared, her voice resolute. ¡°I¡¯ll finish this quickly. We¡¯ll overwhelm them with shock and awe.¡±


    ¡°Will you need my support?¡± I asked, meeting her gaze as we reached the threshold of the arena.


    ¡°Just activate the Ultimate the moment you hear the whistle,¡± she said, her tone calm yet commanding. ¡°Do it as fast as you can.¡±


    We finally stepped into the arena, the air charged with energy as the crowd buzzed in anticipation. Across from us stood our opponents, easily identifiable by their red armbands¡ªthird years. They were an imposing sight, a barrier that none of our friends had managed to overcome. Now, it was our turn to face the challenge, a wall we couldn¡¯t afford to falter against.


    The opposing WAIFU was a strikingly tall woman with hair split into a stark streak of white and black, each color contrasting like day and night. Beside her stood her partner, a thin Asian man with sharp features, his wire-rimmed glasses glinting under the bright arena lights. Their calm, unwavering stance only amplified the tension.


    The support units, including myself, moved to our levitating platforms, floating high above the battlefield. From this vantage point, we had the best view of the unfolding fight¡ªand the most responsibility.


    ¡°Examinee Number 11 versus Examinee Number 71,¡± the emcee, Miles Oberyn, announced in his booming voice. His words echoed through the coliseum, sending a ripple of excitement through the spectators. ¡°Let the battle begin, baby!¡±


    The whistle pierced the air, sharp and commanding, and I wasted no time. My fingers darted across my hologram interface, activating the WEEB System. A soft hum of energy enveloped me as I synchronized with Myrrh¡¯s Frame Unit.


    Down below, the battlefield erupted with light. Both WAIFUs raised their morphers in unison, and two towering pillars of brilliance shot into the sky. The air quivered with power as their Frame Units emerged.


    ¡°Frame Unit, Awaken!¡±


    Our opponent¡¯s mech materialized first, a towering white colossus clad in jagged black armor. Crimson lights flared to life in its eyes, glowing like malevolent embers. The sinister design sent a chill down my spine, but I forced myself to focus.


    This was a do-or-die situation. There was no room for hesitation. My hologram displayed the [Ultimate] option, and I didn¡¯t hesitate. Pressing it, I felt the surge of energy ripple through my left arm as circuits flared with an otherworldly blue glow.


    ¡°Blade Wing, Equip!¡± I shouted, extending my arm toward Myrrh¡¯s Frame Unit. The glow intensified, casting sharp shadows on the arena floor as the system began its work. This was the moment our strategy would be tested.


    In an instant, Myrrh shot into the air, her frame unit lifting her gracefully as jagged white steel wings erupted from her back. The wings crackled with power, glowing with a fierce yellow-green flame that licked the air around her. With a swift, fluid motion, Myrrh pulled two of the wings from her back, each transforming into blazing, sword-like blades. The flames dancing along the edges of her swords cast a fierce, almost ethereal glow across the arena, painting her figure in a brilliant inferno.


    Without a moment¡¯s hesitation, Myrrh charged forward, propelled by the raw power of her Blade Wing boost. She cut through the air with a roar, her flaming swords raised high, prepared to slice through anything in her path.


    ¡°I¡¯ll finish this in one attack! Get ready!¡± she shouted, her voice a defiant promise.


    The opponent¡¯s support unit reacted quickly, his fingers flying over his Bios as he scrambled to counter. ¡°Tiger Claws, Equip!¡± he called, his voice tight with urgency.


    The enemy Frame Unit¡¯s morphers flared to life, and from the white-and-black mech¡¯s fists erupted golden claws, gleaming with deadly precision. With a feral, almost animalistic movement, the opposing WAIFU charged forward, her claws outstretched and ready to meet Myrrh¡¯s assault head-on.


    ¡°Close-range, fast-paced combat is my specialty!¡± the enemy Frame Unit laughed, its voice carrying a dangerous edge.


    In a flash, they collided¡ªsteel clashing against steel with a deafening, shrill scream. The sound of metal tearing through the air was almost surreal, like butter under a hot knife. For a moment, everything seemed to slow, the fire in Myrrh¡¯s swords and the golden glow of the enemy¡¯s claws the only visible traces of movement.


    Then, as quickly as it had begun, the clash was over. Both Frame Units stood facing away from each other, the weight of the battle settling in the air like a thick fog. The arena was eerily silent, the spectators holding their breath as they processed what had just occurred.


    Myrrh¡¯s Frame Unit hovered momentarily, a sharp metallic screech slicing through the air as a massive scratch marred the once pristine surface of her mech¡¯s face. The left camera-eye, now cracked and flickering, struggled to focus, casting a dim, disorienting light across her visor. The damage was clear, but she held her position, unwavering despite the hit.


    Then, without warning, the enemy¡¯s golden tiger claws began to shudder, their gleaming surfaces cracking and falling apart. One by one, the massive claws detached from the Frame Unit, clattering to the ground with a deafening clang.


    The enemy mech staggered, its shoulders crumbling under the strain, sending more pieces of shattered armor tumbling to the dirt. The knees buckled, and with a final, agonizing screech of tortured metal, the head of the opponent Frame Unit detached, rolling across the arena floor. It came to a stop with a hollow, metallic thud, its lifeless eyes staring at the sky.


    The opponent¡¯s support unit stood frozen, eyes wide in disbelief. ¡°W-what the hell¡­ That was so fast¡­¡± he muttered, his voice cracking with shock.


    In the stands, the tension broke like a wave. The crowd erupted in thunderous cheers, their applause filling the air as the outcome of the battle became undeniable.


    ¡°The winner of this match is Examinee Number 11, who will advance tomorrow to the next round, baby!¡± the emcee, Miles Oberyn, announced with a triumphant flourish, his voice carrying over the roaring audience.

 Chapter 49 - Not Nothing

    Chapter 49 - Not Nothing


    Myrrh and I didn¡¯t even bother celebrating. Instead, we shared a wordless glance, the silence between us carrying more weight than words could ever express. Myrrh¡¯s towering giant-robot form shimmered, panels folding and collapsing into themselves until she returned to her humanoid shape. With a curt, silent nod, we turned our backs on the arena and strode off campus grounds, our footsteps echoing faintly against the quiet air.


    Pulling out her phone, Myrrh opened an app and called for a ride-share. A sleek, autonomous car hummed up to the curb moments later, its silver frame reflecting the dying light of the day. We slid into the backseat, and the vehicle merged seamlessly onto the highway weaving through the sprawling cyberpunk metropolis of Xyraxis. The neon signs adorning the towering buildings began to flicker to life, their electric hues muted by the sun¡¯s stubborn orange glow lingering on the horizon.


    As we ascended to the expressway, the sprawling lower levels of north-central Xyraxis came into view. Endless layers of buildings stretched beneath us, a labyrinth of steel and light crisscrossed by winding streets and monorail tracks. The hum of the car was the only sound between us as I glanced at Myrrh. She sat still, her gaze fixed out the window, her eyes trained on the horizon where the highway met the glowing skyline. Her frown had deepened, a shadow of worry lingering on her face. No doubt she was still thinking about Neil.


    I forced a smile, letting it tug awkwardly at my lips. It wasn¡¯t much, but I hoped it might break the tension. Myrrh turned, catching the expression. Her eyes softened slightly, though the furrow in her brow remained.


    ¡°I never knew you had a technique like that,¡± I said, hoping to lift her spirits. ¡°How many slashes did you land on our opponent?¡±


    ¡°Seven.¡± Myrrh¡¯s response came with a proud smile, her chin lifting as her blue eyes lit up. In that moment, she looked like a child awaiting praise for a perfect score on a test. ¡°Have you seen anything like it before?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± I shook my head, still impressed. ¡°To me, it looked like just one slash... though I did hear the sound of scraping metal, maybe twice.¡±


    ¡°Hehe~¡± Myrrh¡¯s eyes narrowed as a mischievous smirk tugged at her lips. ¡°My mother taught me that technique after discovering we share the same Ultimate ability. She told me the secret lies in using the boost of the Blade Wing and controlling the blades as though they were an extension of my arms. It¡¯s all about focus and synchronization.¡± Her voice softened slightly as she continued. ¡°I spent hours watching her old recordings, imagining myself performing the same moves. I¡¯ve practiced it countless times in my mind... but today was the first time I¡¯ve ever tried it for real.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s incredible.¡± I couldn¡¯t hide my amazement, my breath catching slightly. ¡°Pulling it off perfectly on your first attempt? That¡¯s beyond impressive.¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s cheeks flushed a delicate pink, and she glanced away, her fingers fidgeting with a lock of her greenish-blonde hair. ¡°R-really?¡± she mumbled, her voice shy and uncertain¡ªa rarity for someone as bold as her. She twirled the strand of hair absentmindedly, her usual confidence replaced by a vulnerability I wasn¡¯t used to seeing. ¡°You don¡¯t usually praise me like this.¡±


    ¡°You deserve it,¡± I replied with a warm smile. ¡°You made it happen just by practicing in your mind. That¡¯s no small feat¡ªit¡¯s an achievement worth celebrating.¡±


    ¡°I see...¡± Myrrh¡¯s voice trailed off, and she suddenly swept her hair forward, using it as a makeshift curtain to shield her face. The blush on her cheeks deepened, and I could swear I saw the faintest hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.


    It was rare¡ªso rare¡ªto see Myrrh flustered like this. And in that moment, I realized I¡¯d hit a critical nerve, one that turned the tables on her usual teasing confidence.


    This was my little revenge for all the times she made me stumble over my own feelings, for every flirty move she¡¯d thrown my way. Watching her blush due to embarassment? Totally worth it.


    <><><>


    After what felt like an eternity, we finally arrived at the Northern Xyraxis Hospital. Its familiar glass facade reflected the neon glow of the city, but inside, the sterile, whitewashed walls were a stark contrast to the vibrant chaos outside.


    Myrrh¡¯s gaze lingered for a moment as we passed the wing where her mother had once been confined, though we were headed to a different floor. The emergency rooms, as always, were on the lower levels, bustling with medics and patients. We quickly approached the front desk, where a receptionist greeted us with a calm, practiced smile.


    ¡°We¡¯re looking for a patient named Neil Orbeus,¡± I said, my voice tinged with urgency.


    The receptionist scanned her screen before replying in a neutral tone. ¡°Mister Neil Orbeus is no longer in the emergency room. He¡¯s currently confined on the second floor, Room 212.¡±


    Without wasting a second, we bolted toward the elevator. Despite only needing to ascend two floors, the ride felt excruciatingly slow, every second stretching into an eternity. Myrrh tapped her foot anxiously, her arms crossed as she stared at the blinking floor indicator. Finally, the doors slid open with a soft chime, and we rushed down the hallway, the stark lighting reflecting off the polished floors.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    When we reached Room 212, I hesitated for a split second before pushing the door open. What greeted us was entirely unexpected.


    ¡°Congratulations!¡± a familiar voice shouted.


    Before I could react, Neil leaped toward me like an overexcited puppy. ¡°Hyaaaah!¡±


    ¡°Uwah!¡± I yelped as his weight sent me sprawling backward, landing unceremoniously on the hard floor. Pain shot up my spine as my butt bore the brunt of the impact.


    Myrrh froze in place, her eyes wide with shock. ¡°Neil?¡± she gasped, blinking as if to confirm what she was seeing.


    Standing above me, grinning ear to ear, was Neil Orbeus. His hospital-issued clothes¡ªcrisp white from shirt to slippers¡ªhung loosely on him, a stark reminder of his recent ordeal. Though faint traces of the glowing red veins that once marked his neck were still visible, they were now nothing more than faded scars.


    He looked at us both with the enthusiasm of someone who had just won the lottery. ¡°What¡¯s with the surprised faces? I¡¯m feeling great!¡±


    ¡°Congratulations on advancing to the next round, Myrrh!¡± Fei, Dianca, and Cindy cheered in unison, their applause filling the small hospital room.


    ¡°Way to go, brother! You totally one-shotted them!¡± Remuel grinned as he playfully punched my left arm.


    ¡°Ouch!¡± I winced, rubbing the spot where his fist landed.


    Myrrh, standing to the side, raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a tight, forced smile. ¡°Uh¡­ what is even happening here? Just a few hours ago, Neil was in a life-or-death situation. Are we sure he should be tackling useless trash like Zaft in his current state?¡±


    ¡°You could ask normally without adding the insult, you know,¡± I muttered under my breath, barely audible even to myself.


    ¡°I¡¯m totally fine now!¡± Neil declared, standing tall as he flexed his right arm, his biceps popping slightly under his hospital gown. ¡°I¡¯ve had this weird sickness since I was a kid, but it¡¯s on-and-off. Nothing life-threatening, I promise!¡±


    ¡°B-but you collapsed!¡± Myrrh¡¯s voice softened, her earlier sarcasm giving way to genuine concern.


    ¡°We were worried about that too,¡± Fei chimed in, her dark eyes reflecting her concern. ¡°But the doctor assured us there¡¯s no permanent damage. All his vitals are perfectly fine. Still, it¡¯s a mystery...¡±


    ¡°That glowing veins condition...¡± Dianca muttered, her expression darkening as she pressed a hand to her chest, lost in thought.


    Neil, ever the ball of energy, waved off their concerns with an enthusiastic laugh. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Miss Dianca! It¡¯s just some unknown sickness. It¡¯s not gonna kill me¡ªwell, unless I¡¯m driving or swimming, but hey, I avoid those things! I even almost had a seizure once while making ramen during my part-time job, but I¡¯m still alive and kicking! Everything¡¯s fiiiiine!¡± He threw his arms wide with an exaggerated flourish, his grin brighter than the hospital¡¯s LED lights.


    ¡°That¡¯s... kind of dangerous,¡± Remuel muttered, his brow furrowing as he crossed his arms.


    ¡°Neil is off the hook for now,¡± Fei said with a reassuring smile, her calm demeanor easing the tension in the room. ¡°The doctor advised him to rest for the day, and if nothing unusual happens tomorrow, he¡¯ll be discharged.¡±


    Though her words were meant to comfort, a seed of doubt lingered in my mind. Neil¡¯s confident reassurances aside, the image of him collapsing earlier, his body wracked with glowing, pulsating veins, haunted me. It wasn¡¯t the kind of thing you could just brush off, and calling it ¡°mysterious¡± felt like an understatement. A sickness like that, one so grotesque and unknown, was the kind of thing that gnawed at the edges of reason.


    Still, for now, we tried to enjoy a sense of normalcy. The group settled in Neil¡¯s hospital room, the sterile scent of antiseptic mingling with the greasy aroma of fast-food burgers, fries, and soda. Myrrh, of course, was the star of the conversation, regaling everyone with an animated retelling of her seven-slash technique. ¡°It was over in a flash!¡± she boasted, her hands mimicking the precise, lightning-fast movements of her attack.


    Fei, Dianca, and Cindy hung on her every word, their eyes wide with awe. Even Remuel, ever the skeptic, leaned in closer, nodding along as she described the mechanics of her victory.


    While the others were caught up in Myrrh¡¯s triumph, I found myself drawn toward Neil¡¯s bed. Something about his condition gnawed at me, a nagging unease I couldn¡¯t shake. Carrying my half-eaten burger, still wrapped in its paper, I walked over to him. Neil lay back against the pillows, his hospital gown rumpled, his expression a mix of tiredness and calm.


    ¡°Hey, Neil,¡± I began, lowering my voice to avoid interrupting the others. ¡°Can I ask you something?¡±


    Neil glanced up, the flickering light from the television reflecting in his eyes. ¡°Sure, what¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°When did this mysterious illness start?¡± I asked, carefully folding the wrapper over my burger as if the act could somehow steady my nerves.


    Neil¡¯s gaze drifted, his expression growing distant. ¡°Huh? Oh... it was probably back when I was three or four.¡± His voice was quieter now, his usual energy dimmed. ¡°The doctors who found me said I was covered in... wilted tendrils or something. They pulled me out of the rubble, and that¡¯s when it all started. The seizures, the fainting... and those creepy glowing veins on my neck.¡±


    He trailed off, his fingers absently brushing against the faint scars on his neck, as though recalling a memory he couldn¡¯t quite grasp.


    Wilted tendrils? The phrase sent a shiver down my spine. Whatever had happened to Neil back then wasn¡¯t just mysterious¡ªit was terrifying.


    Neil rolled up the collar of his hospital gown slightly, revealing faint black marks etched across his neck like the remnants of a fading tattoo. They were subtle now, barely visible against his skin, but they carried the weight of something far more sinister.


    ¡°It¡¯s just some black marks now,¡± Neil explained, tracing a finger along the lines absentmindedly. ¡°No glowing, no pain. At least, for now.¡±


    I studied the marks carefully, a knot of unease tightening in my chest. ¡°How often does it happen?¡± I asked, my voice steady but laced with concern.


    ¡°It¡¯s random,¡± Neil replied with a shrug. ¡°Sometimes months pass without a single incident, and other times¡­¡± He paused, his words hanging in the air like a storm cloud on the horizon. His gaze shifted, his usual energy dimmed for just a moment. Then, with a forced smile, he held his forehead as if brushing away an invisible weight.


    ¡°Neil,¡± I said softly, leaning closer. ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± He shook his head, his smile growing wider, though it didn¡¯t quite reach his eyes. ¡°It¡¯s nothing, really.¡±


    I studied his expression, the way his eyes avoided mine for just a beat too long, and the tension in his shoulders that he thought he¡¯d hidden. On the surface, he seemed fine¡ªcalm, even¡ªbut something about his demeanor told a different story.


    But I knew it wasn¡¯t nothing. Whatever Neil was dealing with, it ran deeper than he was willing to let on.

 Chapter 50 - Bountiful Breakfast

    Chapter 50 - Bountiful Breakfast


    The shrill beep of my phone''s alarm clock jolted me awake, its piercing tone grating enough to compel me to shut it off almost immediately. My groggy fingers fumbled over the screen, silencing the noise as I glanced at the time¡ª6:00 a.m. Sharp. While I felt a sliver of pride for waking up on the first try, a lingering haze of drowsiness clung to me like cobwebs.


    Forcing myself upright, I pushed the covers aside and shuffled to the window. Drawing back the curtains, I was greeted by a breathtaking sight: the soft, golden glow of dawn stretching across Xyraxis''s metallic horizon. The sun''s rays painted the reflective surface of the planet with hues of pink and amber, a rare and fleeting spectacle. It wasn¡¯t that I disliked mornings, but my habit of endlessly scrolling through social media often stole these tranquil moments away from me.


    I grabbed my towel and toiletries, stepping out of my room into the silent corridors. As I walked past Neil Orbeus¡¯s door, I couldn¡¯t help but notice the stillness. Most mornings, seven out of ten to be exact, Neil would knock on my door, insisting we head to university together. Today wasn¡¯t one of those days. Neil was still in the hospital, recovering under Fei¡¯s watchful care. They¡¯d promised to follow the licensure tournament through social media, offering their thoughts and prayers to Myrrh and me from afar.


    Knowing today would be no ordinary day, I adjusted my routine accordingly. A brisk, icy shower jolted me fully awake. I shaved with precision, took care of biological necessities¡ªone that ended up consuming far more time than expected¡ªand returned to my room to put on my uniform. Almost an hour had passed, and my adjusted schedule was already beginning to crumble.


    ¡°Eating at the cafeteria would take too long,¡± I muttered, brushing a hand through my damp hair. ¡°I¡¯ll just grab a sandwich from the convenience store on the way.¡±


    Once I finished suiting up, I made my way to the nearby convenience store and picked up a ham and egg sandwich paired with a bottle of oolong jasmine tea. The tea, subtle yet refreshing, had quickly become a favorite of mine¡ªit wasn¡¯t too sweet, sour, or bitter, making it the perfect remedy for the odd aftertaste lingering in my mouth. I silently thanked Myrrh for recommending it to me yesterday.


    Feeling prepared for the day ahead, I decided to walk to the coliseum. The streets were already alive with activity, and a growing crowd lined up outside the venue, eager to secure seats in the audience. From what I¡¯d seen on social media, the winners of this licensure tournament often gained recognition for producing high-quality WAIFUs and support units, making them valuable not only to Xyraxis government agencies but also to major corporations scouting for talent.


    As I approached the coliseum, I spotted Agent Feena in the distance, easily recognizable in her signature KAWAII uniform. She stood amidst a group of similarly dressed agents, her pink hair catching the early morning light as she animatedly conversed with her colleagues. She looked busy, and since I needed to head backstage to meet Myrrh, I decided not to disturb her and continued on my way.


    Just as I started to relax, a familiar voice rang out, bright and unmistakable.


    ¡°Out of the waaaaay!¡±


    I barely had time to react before I turned to see Dianca¡ªher vibrant blue hair bouncing with each step, her green eyes wide with determination, and, to my astonishment, a piece of toasted bread clenched between her teeth as she sprinted toward me.


    ¡°Oh crap!¡± I yelped. ¡°Waaah!¡±


    Before I could dodge, she collided with me at full speed. The impact sent us both tumbling to the ground in a chaotic blur of limbs. When the world stopped spinning, I realized I was lying flat on my back¡ªwith Dianca sprawled on top of me. My face burned as I became acutely aware of the soft, warm pressure of her medium-sized chest against me.


    ¡°This¡­ this feels like something straight out of a romantic comedy,¡± I muttered under my breath, recalling countless scenes from novels and animated movies that played out exactly like this.


    With my vision completely obstructed by Dianca¡¯s chest, my other senses seemed to heighten in compensation. A delicate, sweet rose scent mixed with the faint powdery aroma of her perfume wafted from her skin, while a trace of her salty sweat lingered on my lips¡ªan unintentional taste that made my face flush even harder. Before I could process the situation, a chorus of disgruntled muttering reached my ears from a small group of boys nearby.


    ¡°It should have been me, not him! It¡¯s not fair!¡±


    Their words only made the scene feel even more absurd.


    ¡°Ouchie,¡± Dianca finally groaned, lifting herself off me and settling onto the ground. She rubbed her nose with a pout, her expression a mix of pain and embarrassment. ¡°It¡­ hurts.¡±This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    I scrambled to sit up, my face still warm from the encounter. Looking at Dianca, I noticed her blue hair had become slightly unkempt, strands sticking to her damp forehead, and her makeup kit had spilled across the floor. To top it all off, her precious toasted buttered bread now lay on the ground, dirty and unfit to eat.


    ¡°D-Dianca?¡± I stammered, still trying to gather my thoughts.


    Her green eyes lit up as she met my gaze, and she gave me a sheepish smile. ¡°Ah, Zaft! Nice to see you here! Good morning!¡± she said cheerfully, scratching the back of her head. ¡°Sorry for crashing into you. I was in a bit of a hurry.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± I replied, brushing myself off before bending down to gather her scattered belongings. I picked up a lipstick and a small brush, trying to steady my voice. ¡°A-are you okay?¡±


    She nodded enthusiastically, her hands moving quickly to retrieve her spilled items as well. ¡°I¡¯m okay!¡± she said, her smile unbroken despite the mess around her.


    Once we had collected all the scattered items, I carefully placed them back into her makeup box, which was decorated with a giant pink heart. I handed it back to her with a small smile. ¡°Here.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Dianca replied warmly, taking the box from my hands. But as her eyes drifted to the side, she suddenly gasped. ¡°Oh no, my breakfast!¡± she cried, staring at the ruined toast on the ground with visible dismay.


    Dianca glanced nervously left and right, seemingly oblivious to the fact that several onlookers were still staring at us, some whispering excitedly about the commotion. Her gaze locked onto the dirty toast lying on the ground. With an air of determination, her fingers crept toward it, inch by inch, as though she were trying to snatch an elusive treasure.


    ¡°It¡¯s not yet five minutes!¡± she declared with confidence, lifting the toast as she prepared to take a bite.


    ¡°Wait! Waaait!¡± I cried, lunging forward to grab her wrist just in time. ¡°Are you out of your mind? Have you completely forgotten about your public image? Why on Xyraxis would you even think about eating that? That¡¯s disgusting!¡±


    Dianca tilted her head, her wide green eyes brimming with innocence, much like a confused puppy. ¡°Really? I don¡¯t mind. My fans are braver. Some of them even lick my bathwater bottles.¡±


    ¡°Ew!¡± I recoiled, my stomach churning. ¡°Okay, that¡¯s way too much information. But seriously, don¡¯t eat that!¡±


    Her expression softened into a pout. ¡°This is my breakfast,¡± she argued, her tone almost pleading. ¡°I¡¯m scheduled to commentate all day. If I don¡¯t eat, I¡¯ll run out of energy!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, but not that bread!¡± I exclaimed, my voice rising in disbelief. With a resigned sigh, I rummaged through my bag, my fingers closing around the ham and egg sandwich I¡¯d bought earlier. It was supposed to be my breakfast¡ªa small comfort to start this hectic day.


    But looking at Dianca, with her earnest desperation and the lingering traces of chaos from our earlier tumble, I knew what I had to do. A pang of loss hit me as I silently bid farewell to my meal. Still, I couldn¡¯t deny that she¡¯d already given me an odd sort of ¡°breakfast¡± earlier¡ªher floral scent and, well, the ¡°energy boost¡± from the collision. Maybe this was the universe¡¯s way of demanding an equivalent exchange.


    ¡°Here,¡± I said, holding out the sandwich.


    Her face lit up with pure delight. ¡°Wow! You¡¯re so sweet, Zaft! Thank you!¡± she chirped, her voice brimming with genuine gratitude. Without hesitation, she unwrapped the sandwich, took a generous bite, and closed her eyes in bliss.


    ¡°Seriously¡­¡± I muttered under my breath, scratching my head in second-hand embarrassment. The curious stares from passersby were hard to ignore, their murmurs lingering in the air like static. Wanting to escape the awkward spotlight, I made a quick decision. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± I said, gesturing ahead.


    Dianca nodded, her steps falling in line with mine as we started down the wide corridors of the coliseum. The polished metallic walls shimmered faintly under the overhead lights, and the low hum of distant chatter echoed around us.


    ¡°Anyways, Zaft,¡± Dianca began, her voice cheerful and lively. She turned her green eyes to me, her smile as radiant as ever. ¡°Why are you here so early? Unlike me, who has to be here an hour ahead to help run the tournament, you examinees still have a whole hour to assemble in the arena.¡±


    ¡°I wanted to talk to Myrrh about our game plans,¡± I replied, a confident smile spreading across my face.


    ¡°Oh, game plans, huh?¡± Dianca clapped her hands together, her expression lighting up with excitement. A faint blush colored her cheeks as she added, ¡°So, you¡¯ve got more than one ace up your sleeve!¡±


    ¡°You could say that,¡± I replied with a smirk, enjoying her enthusiasm.


    As we reached the staircase, Dianca suddenly gasped, her expression shifting to a mix of realization and delight. She paused at the base of the stairs and turned to me, her blue hair cascading over her shoulder. ¡°Oh, I have to take this way upstairs. Good luck with your battles, Zaft! And give my regards to Myrrh!¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± I said, giving her a determined nod.


    With a playful grin, she blew a flying kiss my way before bounding up the steps. Her light, energetic movements carried her upward as I watched her disappear around the corner. Shaking my head with a small smile, I raised my hand in a parting wave, already feeling the buzz of anticipation for the challenges ahead.


    As Dianca disappeared up the stairs, her vibrant presence fading like the tail end of a bright comet, a sudden chill crept up my spine. It was a suffocating sensation, sharp and unrelenting, like a dagger¡¯s edge pressed against my back.


    I turned slowly, my movements stiff with unease, and there she was.


    Myrrh.


    She stood several paces away, her posture rigid and commanding. Her arms were crossed firmly beneath her ample chest, accentuating both her presence and her displeasure. Her icy blue eyes were half-lidded, narrowed into a piercing glare that felt like it could bore straight through me. The cold intensity of her stare sent an involuntary shiver through me, as though the temperature around us had dropped.


    There was a smile on her lips¡ªsmall and sharp¡ªbut it wasn¡¯t warm or welcoming. No, it was the kind of smile that hid a brewing storm, a silent warning wrapped in feigned sweetness.


    I swallowed hard, my mind scrambling to figure out why she was so upset. Whatever it was, one thing was clear: she wasn¡¯t amused. She was pissed.

 Chapter 51 - Jealousy

    Chapter 51 - Jealousy


    ¡°H-Hello, Myrrh.¡± I managed a nervous smile and gave her an awkward wave. ¡°I didn¡¯t see you there.¡±


    ¡°Of course, you didn¡¯t see me. Your eyes were glued to Dianca,¡± Myrrh replied, her voice icy. She narrowed her bright blue eyes at me, and for a moment, I half-expected them to ignite with heat vision and incinerate me on the spot.


    ¡°Oh, haha. Dianca and I just bumped into each other earlier,¡± I said, scratching the back of my head, trying to sound casual.


    ¡°Yeah, you literally bumped into her,¡± she shot back, crossing her arms with a sharp motion.


    ¡°Wait, you saw that? Just how long have you been tailing me, you little stalker?¡± I teased, hoping to lighten the mood.


    ¡°Since you left the convenience store.¡± Myrrh tilted her chin up slightly, her long lime-blonde hair swaying with the movement. ¡°I just happened to be following some thug myself when I saw that similar goon¡­ eating Dianca¡¯s breast for breakfast.¡±


    ¡°W-what!?¡± My voice pitched in panic. ¡°No! I didn¡¯t eat her breast! You know she bumped into me!¡±


    ¡°Pervert!¡± she snapped, her voice rising in mock accusation. Then, with an exaggerated turn, she spun on her heel and began storming off.


    ¡°Hey, Myrrh! Wait!¡± I called, my hand reaching out toward her retreating figure.


    She ignored me, her steps brisk and purposeful as she made her way to the lounge. I followed, the atmosphere shifting as we entered the room. A handful of examinees were scattered about, their voices buzzing softly against the polished walls. WAIFUs were already engaged in conversation with their support units.


    Myrrh didn¡¯t glance back, but her presence radiated frustration like a storm cloud hovering just out of reach. I trailed after her, wondering how I was going to make this right.


    ¡°Hey, Myrrh!¡± I shouted again, my voice echoing faintly in the lounge. Myrrh didn¡¯t so much as glance back, her hair swaying defiantly with each determined step.


    Frustration bubbled up in my chest, and I muttered under my breath, ¡°Well, fuck you too then, bitch. I ain¡¯t got time to chase you.¡±


    With a huff, I dropped into the nearest vacant seat. My stomach growled in protest, a sharp reminder of my poor decision to skip breakfast. The encounter with Dianca had left me flustered, and now I had nothing to satisfy my hunger.


    Scanning the room, I searched for a vending machine, but the only ones here offered drinks. No food. With a sigh, I reached into my bag and pulled out a bottle of oolong tea. Twisting the cap open, I took a sip. The bitter tea slid down my throat, cool and refreshing, but it did nothing to quiet the gnawing emptiness in my stomach.


    Suddenly, a bag of wholegrain chips appeared in front of my face, blocking my view. Startled, I looked up to find a familiar woman standing over me. Her white wavy hair framed her face like a silver halo, and her golden eyes sparkled with a strange mix of amusement and confidence. She was wearing a sleek gray skinsuit with a red armband on her left arm.


    It was her¡ªthe root beer girl. The same one who¡¯d called me a thug yesterday.


    ¡°Here, mister,¡± she said, holding the bag out to me.


    ¡°For me?¡± I asked, pointing to myself, my tone a mix of disbelief and curiosity.


    She nodded, her expression softening just slightly. ¡°It¡¯s payment for my favorite root beer yesterday.¡±


    I blinked at her, momentarily stunned. But as a man of one hundred percent logic, I knew better than to refuse a free meal. Free food was the pinnacle of good fortune, and today, I was both popular and lucky.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± I said, taking the bag from her. Tearing it open, I wasted no time digging in, the salty crunch of the chips feeling like a blessing from above.


    As I chewed, I glanced up at her again. There was something about her calm demeanor that intrigued me, but for now, the chips demanded my full attention.


    ¡°Good luck in the tournament today, mister¡­¡± The silver-haired girl¡¯s voice was calm, yet there was a hint of expectation in her golden eyes as if waiting for me to finish her sentence.


    ¡°Oh. Zaft. Zaft Callahan.¡± I quickly offered my MSG-coated hand for a handshake, the faint aroma of chips still lingering on my fingertips. ¡°And you¡¯re my senior, right?¡±


    ¡°Michelle Gehabich.¡± She took my hand without hesitation, her grip firm yet cool. ¡°You can call me Mich. Or Mich Bich, if you¡¯re feeling a little¡­ kinky.¡±


    I froze, utterly caught off guard. Did she just say that with a straight face? Her expression didn¡¯t waver¡ªnot even a flicker of amusement. The deadpan delivery of her joke was so disarming I didn¡¯t know whether to laugh or cringe. Despite the absurdity, the cold and composed aura she radiated made it impossible not to take her seriously.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    ¡°Good luck to you too, Miss Michelle,¡± I said with a polite smile, withdrawing my hand, now all too aware of how dirty it was. But before I could reach for a napkin, Michelle raised her hand to her mouth and licked the chip seasoning right off her fingers¡ªfingers that had just shaken mine.


    I froze again. Watching her do it was¡­ unsettling. Gross, even. I mean, I had no problem with the taste of MSG myself, but seeing her nonchalantly clean her hand like that made me question everything I knew about social norms.


    Michelle seemed unfazed. After finishing her impromptu snack, she smiled lightly. ¡°I¡¯ll be going now.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Good luck to you as well. Let¡¯s grab that license!¡± I said, trying to sound enthusiastic while pretending I hadn¡¯t just witnessed that.


    ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s!¡± she replied, pumping her fists in a rare show of energy before waving goodbye and walking off.


    I watched her leave, shaking my head slightly at the surreal interaction. But my thoughts were quickly interrupted when I spotted Myrrh approaching from across the lounge. Her blonde-green hair swayed with her steps, and her blue eyes were locked on Michelle¡¯s retreating figure. She stopped a few feet away, her arms crossing in that familiar, accusatory pose of hers.


    ¡°Oh, great,¡± I muttered under my breath. ¡°Round two, here we go.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re getting popular with girls, huh?¡± Myrrh remarked, her tone sharp enough to cut through steel. She shifted her weight slightly, her hips swaying in a way that drew my attention despite myself. Her arms folded beneath her ample chest, a motion that¡ªunfortunately for me¡ªmade it impossible not to notice. Heat prickled the back of my neck.


    ¡°Who was that?¡± she asked, her blue eyes narrowing at me.


    ¡°An upperclassman,¡± I replied, still munching on my chips. ¡°We met yesterday near the vending machine in the north wing.¡±


    Her glare didn¡¯t waver, and for a second, I thought she might actually lunge at me. Maybe she was hungry? I mean, she¡¯s got to maintain those, uh, assets somehow. Without much thought, I held out the bag of chips toward her.


    ¡°Want some?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± she snapped, her voice clipped.


    ¡°Suit yourself,¡± I said, shrugging as I continued crunching away, entirely unfazed. Or at least, I pretended to be. From the corner of my eye, I saw her eyebrow twitch¡ªa telltale sign of irritation.


    I paused mid-bite, confused. I didn¡¯t think I¡¯d done anything wrong. Sure, we had our usual banter, but today¡­ today felt different. Myrrh¡¯s energy was quieter, more distant, like a storm brewing just beyond the horizon.


    Before I could press her further, the TV screen in the lounge flickered to life. The sudden burst of sound and color filled the room, redirecting everyone¡¯s attention.


    Cheers erupted from the crowd on the broadcast, the camera panning over the massive coliseum packed with spectators. The atmosphere was electric, even through the screen, as the final leg of the Licensure Examination Tournament was about to begin.


    ¡°Good morning, ladies and gentlemen!¡± boomed the voice of the emcee. The screen cut to a tall man with slicked-back hair and an energy that was almost contagious. ¡°This is your host, Miles Oberyn, welcoming you to the grand finale, baby!¡±


    ¡°And this is Dianca Fritz! We will now continue to the final part of this Licensure Examination Tournament!¡± The female emcee¡¯s voice was bright and cheerful, her enthusiasm infectious as she stood next to her co-host.


    ¡°For the final day of this tournament, we¡¯ll continue the modified round-robin matches!¡± Miles Oberyn added with a flourish, his voice booming over the speakers. ¡°Each examinee must win all three of their battles to earn their coveted license to deploy! This license grants them the opportunity to apply for any Xyraxis Chapter, including the Vanguard Tactical Unit for Battle, Emergency, and Reconnaissance¡ªalso known as V-TUBER! Or perhaps the Knowledge Assessment for Wide-ranging Anomalies and Intelligent Investigations, KAWAII! And let¡¯s not forget the Strategic Unified Group for Offensive Innovation¡ªSUGOI! So sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!¡±


    As Miles finished speaking, the crowd erupted into cheers, their energy surging like a tidal wave. Fireworks exploded overhead, casting vibrant colors against the pale morning sky. The festivities included intermission performances¡ªdancers, holographic displays, and even a brief pyrotechnic light show.


    When the stage cleared, the camera panned back to Dianca. Her bright smile lit up the screen as she leaned into her microphone, her tone sweet yet commanding.


    ¡°We¡¯ll now kick off the first battle of the morning!¡± she announced, her voice perfectly balancing excitement and charm. ¡°And oh! For the first fight, we have Examinee Number 11 versus Examinee Number 99!¡±


    The crowd roared with excitement, their cheers nearly drowning out her words. Confetti rained from above, and the anticipation in the room was palpable.


    I sat frozen in my seat. My mind raced as the numbers registered, a cold realization settling over me like a heavy fog. Examinee Number 11¡ªthat was us.


    I glanced at Myrrh, hoping to catch some semblance of her usual fire, but she didn¡¯t even spare me a look. Without a word, she strode toward the lounge exit, her steps firm and deliberate as she disappeared into the corridor.


    The irritation bubbling inside me grew stronger. What was her problem? I stood and followed her, wordlessly trailing her as she moved farther away.


    Then it hit me. Could this be about earlier? Maybe she¡¯s still mad about me bumping into Dianca. Or maybe it¡¯s about senior Michelle. Myrrh had looked at me like she wanted to throttle me when I was talking to her. Both Dianca and Michelle are women, after all.


    Could it be¡­ jealousy?


    I quickened my pace, closing the gap between us. ¡°Hey, Myrrh,¡± I called out, my voice tinged with both curiosity and annoyance.


    ¡°What?¡± she snapped, not bothering to turn around. Her tone was clipped, sharp enough to make me hesitate for a moment.


    ¡°Are you, perhaps¡­ jealous?¡± I asked, my lips curving into a smirk despite myself. ¡°Like you can¡¯t stand other girls giving me physical contact?¡±


    That got her attention. Myrrh whipped around to face me, her cheeks tinged with a telltale pink. Her glare, however, was as fierce as ever, and her frown curved into an uneven line that spoke of suppressed emotions.


    ¡°No! I¡¯m not jealous!¡± she shouted, her voice cracking slightly, betraying the flustered chaos she was trying to hide.


    ¡°Then what the hell is wrong with you!?¡± I shot back, throwing my hands up in frustration.


    ¡°Nothing!¡± Myrrh roared, her voice echoing down the empty corridor.


    I narrowed my eyes, my temper finally snapping. ¡°Was it my fault? Oh, I¡¯m sorry, madam. Were there insufficient wings on your sanitary napkin today? Because you¡¯re bleeding attitude all over the damn place!¡± I retorted, my words dripping with sarcasm.


    Her face flushed a deeper shade of red, her jaw tightening. ¡°You can go fuck yourself, Zaft!¡± she spat, her voice laced with venom.


    With that, she turned on her heel and stormed off toward the arena, her long hair swaying furiously behind her. She didn¡¯t even glance back.


    I stood there, stunned for a moment, before letting out a heavy sigh. ¡°Well, that went great,¡± I muttered under my breath, running a hand through my hair as I trudged after her.

 Chapter 52 - Deja Vu Spat

    Chapter 52 - Deja Vu Spat


    ¡°Frame Unit, Awaken!¡±


    The whistle¡¯s sharp blast pierced the air, echoing through the metallic arena as two WAIFUs raised their morphers. In a flash of blinding light, their forms twisted and grew, transforming into towering mechs that shimmered with raw power.


    Our opponent WAIFU, a gray-haired first-year from another block, stood across from us, her steely eyes focused and unyielding. At least it promised to be a fair fight¡ªboth of us on equal footing in terms of experience. Her transformation completed with a surge of energy, revealing a sleek gray mech adorned with pulsating green circuits that glowed like veins of molten light.


    No sooner had her colossal frame settled into its imposing stance than her support unit roared a command, his voice resonating with authority.


    ¡°Light Shield, Beam Rifle, Equip!¡±


    With his outstretched hand aglow, cybernetic circles materialized around the gray mech. A metallic shield locked into place on her left arm, gleaming in the artificial light, while a beam rifle shimmered into existence in her right hand, its barrel humming ominously with charged energy.


    I snapped my attention to Myrrh, who now stood resplendent in her transformed state¡ªa dazzling white-and-gold Frame Unit. Her mech radiated an aura of determination as her thrusters ignited, propelling her forward with a thunderous roar. Twin streams of blue flame trailed from her legs, illuminating her path like a streaking comet.


    The two-hundred-meter gap between Myrrh and her opponent felt like an eternity, every second dragging as the gray mech¡¯s beam rifle swiveled, its muzzle locking onto her advancing form. My pulse quickened. She needed protection, and fast. Without hesitation, I slammed the [Light Shield] option on the Bios interface.


    A surge of energy coursed through my arm, blue circuits lighting up like a web of neon veins as the command registered.


    ¡°Light Shield, Equip!¡± I shouted, thrusting my glowing arm toward Myrrh. The circuits along my limb flared brilliantly, and in an instant, a cybernetic circle shimmered into existence on Myrrh¡¯s right hand. A glowing handle materialized within it, which she gripped firmly as the shield took form¡ªa radiant, semi-transparent barrier of light humming with latent power.


    But then, as the opponent fired her beam rifle, Myrrh didn¡¯t raise the shield. Instead, she darted into motion, defying expectation. Her white-and-gold frame ducked low, narrowly avoiding the searing green laser. A sharp swerve to the right followed, her thrusters flaring as she twisted mid-air, dodging another beam by a hair¡¯s breadth. Her movements were chaotic yet precise, a reckless dance against death.


    ¡°Yaaaah!¡± Myrrh¡¯s shout echoed through the arena, a rallying cry of determination. She charged forward with blinding speed, her thrusters roaring at full throttle. Then it happened¡ªa beam grazed her left steel shoulder, molten shards of metal cascading like fiery tears as the Frame Unit staggered briefly before surging onward.


    With a fluid motion, she closed the distance, bringing the light shield around in a ferocious side slash. The glowing edge cut through the air with a sharp hiss, aimed directly at the opponent¡¯s torso.


    ¡°Ghh!¡± the opponent gasped, bending back just in time to avoid a critical blow. Her rifle wasn¡¯t as lucky¡ªthe slash clipped it, sending sparks flying as the weapon was rendered useless, tumbling to the arena floor.


    Not missing a beat, Myrrh followed up with a brutal shield bash. She slammed her glowing barrier toward the opponent¡¯s mech with such force that the impact reverberated through the air. But her opponent was ready, raising her own light shield to block the strike. The clash of the two shields sent a shockwave rippling outward. Metal shards erupted from the collision, scattering like shrapnel amidst a cascade of sparks.


    The battle hung in tense equilibrium, the sound of grinding steel and crackling energy filling the air as both Frame Units pressed against one another, refusing to yield.


    I saw this as an opportunity to arm Myrrh with something devastating¡ªa close-range weapon capable of delivering massive damage. A powerful, brutal strike was exactly what we needed to break the stalemate. My fingers hovered for only a second before pressing the [Buster Sword] option on my holographic HUD. The familiar surge of energy coursed through me, and my left arm flared with glowing blue circuits.


    ¡°Buster Sword, Equip!¡± I commanded, my voice cutting through the noise of the battle.


    In perfect synchronization, Myrrh sprang into action. She discarded her shield with a swift, almost disdainful motion and executed a backward dash, her thrusters blazing as she zipped away with astonishing speed. In mere moments, she had widened the gap to a hundred meters, her white-and-gold Frame Unit a blur of motion.


    The buster sword materialized in her hands¡ªa colossal weapon of gleaming steel, its edge pulsating faintly with raw energy. Without hesitation, Myrrh hurled it forward with all her might, the blade cutting through the air like a missile.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    ¡°Yah!¡± Myrrh¡¯s battle cry echoed across the arena as the sword hurtled toward her opponent with incredible force.


    The enemy Frame Unit reacted instantly, raising her shield in defense. The clash was explosive. The buster sword smashed into the light shield, its sheer weight and momentum shattering the barrier as if it were glass. Shards of glowing energy scattered in all directions, briefly illuminating the battlefield. The impact forced the opposing Frame Unit into a hasty retreat, thrusters firing to put distance between them.


    Though the opponent managed to escape the sword¡¯s devastating trajectory, the move had shifted the dynamic. Now separated by nearly three hundred meters, it was time to change tactics. Myrrh needed precision and range to maintain the upper hand.


    I quickly selected the [Beam Rifle] option on my Bios. My left hand ignited once more, circuits flaring as I pointed toward Myrrh.


    ¡°Beam Rifle, Equip!¡± I shouted.


    Without hesitation, Myrrh snatched the beam rifle from the cybernetic circle and, instead of taking aim, surged forward with it. Her thrusters roared, propelling her sleek Frame Unit directly toward the opponent, who wasted no time preparing for the clash.


    ¡°Laser Sword, Equip!¡± the opponent¡¯s support unit commanded, his voice sharp and decisive. A brilliant blade of glowing energy materialized in the gray mech¡¯s hands, its edges radiating a dangerous hum.


    The two colossal robots closed the gap rapidly, their towering forms looming over the arena as they entered striking range. Myrrh gripped the rifle tightly¡ªnot as a firearm, but as a makeshift melee weapon. The opponent, wielding her laser sword with expert precision, swung first, the glowing blade cutting a blazing arc toward Myrrh.


    When the two weapons collided, the result was immediate and catastrophic. The laser sword cleaved through the beam rifle effortlessly, the energy crackling as the rifle split in half like molten butter under a searing blade. Sparks and shards of metal erupted from the shattered weapon, followed by a burst of smoke that billowed out, obscuring the view.


    But Myrrh saw her moment. With fluid grace and fierce determination, she used the smoke as cover and launched into a counterattack.


    ¡°Hiyah!¡± she roared, her thrusters firing as she drove a powerful steel-plated kick into the opponent Frame Unit¡¯s abdomen. The impact was thunderous, reverberating through the arena. The opponent mech reeled back, its balance faltering as it was sent hurtling across the battlefield. With a heavy crash, it slammed into the ground, the sound echoing like a distant explosion.


    Myrrh stood tall, her Frame Unit gleaming under the arena lights, her movements as bold and unpredictable as ever. She was dominating this fight, but I couldn¡¯t shake the nagging feeling tugging at the edges of my mind.


    There was something¡­ off.


    A sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu washed over me, vivid and unsettling. My thoughts flickered back to our first day at Orbital Tech. The way Myrrh wielded her weapons now was unconventional, almost chaotic¡ªnot at all aligned with the commands I was inputting. My fingers hadn¡¯t fumbled the controls, and yet her actions felt detached, almost as if she was responding to some unseen force.


    ¡°Something¡¯s not right,¡± I muttered under my breath, my eyes narrowing as I watched her. ¡°What the hell are you trying to do, Myrrh? You could¡¯ve used the weapon properly, and we¡¯d already have this fight in the bag!¡± I yelled, my voice strained with frustration.


    ¡°Shut up, Zaft!¡± Myrrh snapped back, her voice echoing through the comms. ¡°I¡¯m trying to focus here¡ªdon¡¯t ruin my momentum!¡±


    Her tone was sharp, cutting, and laced with an uncharacteristic venom. My chest tightened, a storm of emotions swirling inside me. Was she still mad at me? This didn¡¯t feel like her usual temper. Was it¡­ something else? Are girls on their period really this moody? Or maybe she¡¯s angry at me for some other reason?


    At first, I thought it was jealousy¡ªan idea she vehemently denied earlier. But now? Now I wasn¡¯t so sure. Her behavior made no sense, and the growing frustration bubbled over.


    ¡°What are you onto, you stubborn, clueless idiot?¡± I shouted, my voice trembling with both anger and desperation. ¡°I¡¯ve been giving you weapons optimized for every situation, and all you do is toss them away like trash!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need your support!¡± she roared back, her defiance palpable. ¡°I¡¯ll win this fight on my own!¡±


    ¡°Fine, then! Suit yourself, you ungrateful brat!¡± My hand slammed down on my smartwatch, deactivating the HUD and cutting the Weaponry Enhancement Engineering Bios System entirely. The interface faded from view, leaving me staring at Myrrh¡¯s mech without a shred of connection. ¡°Fuck this match, fuck this tournament¡ªand fuck you, Myrrh!¡±


    ¡°Fuck you too!¡± she fired back, her voice crackling with raw fury. ¡°Go ahead, storm off! Run back to your women, you cockroach-brained street thug!¡±


    Her words stung more than I expected, like jagged glass pressed into an open wound. But buried in her rage, I caught a flicker of something else¡ªsomething almost vulnerable. Jealousy? It finally hit me. She was jealous.


    Why, though? I couldn¡¯t piece it together, and frankly, I didn¡¯t care anymore. My patience had worn thin. If she wanted to throw this match, so be it. I was ready to walk away and let her face the consequences.


    But then, a cold sensation crept up my spine, prickling the hairs on the back of my neck. A sense of dread washed over me, sharp and unrelenting. I froze, my breath hitching as I turned my gaze toward the source of the unease.


    There, across the battlefield, was the opponent¡¯s support unit. Something about him sent a chill deep into my core, an unshakable feeling that this wasn¡¯t just an ordinary fight anymore.


    ¡°Radioactive Flamethrower, Equip!¡± the opponent support unit bellowed, his voice thunderous and filled with confidence. Crimson circuits flared to life along his arm, pulsing with energy as he extended it toward his partner Frame Unit.


    In an instant, the opponent Frame Unit materialized a massive, menacing cannon. Its surface gleamed with dark metal, ominously adorned with a glowing radioactive hazard sign that pulsed with a sickly green light. The sheer size of the weapon was staggering, dwarfing anything we¡¯d encountered so far.


    I froze for a moment, my mind racing. That cannon¡­ I¡¯d never seen it before. Not for first-year students, at least. This wasn¡¯t a standard-issue weapon¡ªit had to be their WAIFU¡¯s Ultimate. The energy emanating from it felt overwhelming, a palpable threat that seemed to suck the air from the arena.


    The weapon¡¯s charging sequence was terrifyingly fast, its core lighting up with an eerie red glow. Then, with a deafening roar, it unleashed a massive wave of flames. The firestorm surged forward, a searing tide of crimson and orange, engulfing everything in its path as it hurtled toward Myrrh.

 Chapter 53 - You Gave Me Wings

    Chapter 53 - You Gave Me Wings


    The flames landed with unrelenting precision. Flames roared across Myrrh¡¯s metallic Frame Unit, searing through its armor like a knife through butter. Her left shoulder had melted into a warped mass, her hip and leg now unrecognizable as functional components. With a pained groan of grinding metal, her Frame Unit crumpled to the ground, scattering fragments across the steel arena floor. Each piece hit the ground with a sharp, echoing clank that reverberated through the vast chamber.


    The damage was devastating. The left side of her Frame Unit''s face was obliterated, leaving exposed circuits and tangled wiring that sparked faintly in the aftermath. Her once-pristine features now resembled a grotesque mosaic of molten steel and raw mechanics.


    ¡°Myrrh!¡± I yelled, my voice cracking as it tore through the chaos.


    My heart pounded like a war drum, drowning out reason. The quarrel we''d had earlier felt insignificant¡ªtrivial compared to the fear clawing at me now. My partner, my steadfast companion, lay motionless, her Frame Unit lifeless as if her very essence had been extinguished.


    I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palms, frustration surging like a tidal wave. I gritted my teeth and slammed the activation button for the WEEB System. A shimmering hologram interface sprang to life before me, bathing my surroundings in a cool blue light.


    Amidst my frantic attempts, a voice cut through the tension. The opposing support unit shouted with urgency, ¡°Now¡¯s your chance, Jenny! Deal the finishing blow!¡±


    ¡°Got it!¡± the opposing WAIFU shouted, their Frame Unit adjusting its stance with a chilling precision. The weapon began to hum ominously, drawing energy from the very air, its glow intensifying with each passing second.


    A shiver ran down my spine as cold sweat dripped from my brow. My throat felt dry, my chest tight¡ªparalyzed by the sight of that weapon charging. At this rate, Myrrh would be obliterated, nothing left but smoldering ruins. I glanced at her, her battered Frame Unit still slumped on the arena floor, lifeless, unresponsive.


    And then¡ª


    A surge of pain erupted in my left arm, a sharp, searing agony that made me stagger. My arm glowed fiercely, crimson circuits etching patterns beneath my skin, pulsing like molten veins. It wasn¡¯t just pain¡ªit was desperation given form, a boiling inferno coursing through my bloodstream, demanding I act.


    A mechanical voice pierced the air:


    [Weapons of Mass Destruction Unlocked]


    The display in front of me flickered, cascading through a list of options, each more powerful than the last:


    <ul>


    <li>[Level 1 - Particle Cannon]</li>


    <li>[Level 2 - Uranium Blade]</li>


    <li>[Level 3 - Shadow Curtain]</li>


    <li>[Level 4 - Lightning Storm]</li>


    <li>[Level 5 - Particle Accelerator]</li>


    <li>[Level 6 - Proton Slicer]</li>


    <li>[Level 7 - Ion Cannon]</li>


    </ul>


    Each weapon name blazed across the screen, a grim testament to the power I had just unleashed. My arm trembled, but not from fear¡ªit was raw, unfiltered determination. I wouldn¡¯t let Myrrh fall. Not now. Not ever.


    At this moment, Myrrh needed mobility¡ªextreme mobility¡ªto stand a chance against the oncoming assault. With her left arm and leg reduced to molten remnants, survival demanded a miracle. Desperation clawed at my chest, and my mind raced. If my hunch was correct, Level 4 wasn¡¯t just an offensive weapon. It was a variant designed for flight. Wings. Wings might be her only salvation.


    ¡°Fire!¡± the enemy support unit bellowed, their voice cutting through the tension like a blade.


    ¡°This is your end!¡± The opposing Frame Unit leveled the massive Radioactive Flamethrower and pulled the trigger.


    The weapon roared to life, releasing a torrent of emerald flames that surged forward with devastating speed. The arena lit up in sickly green hues, the intense heat distorting the air itself. It was a death sentence barreling toward Myrrh.


    I clenched my glowing crimson hand and thrust it forward, my voice ringing out in defiance:


    ¡°Lightning Storm, Activate!¡±


    The instant the words left my lips, a deafening explosion erupted, shaking the arena to its core. Lightning crackled violently, forking in all directions as if the heavens themselves had descended into battle. Smoke billowed outward in a suffocating wave, obscuring everything in sight.


    The audience gasped, their awe-filled murmurs barely audible over the cacophony. Sparks danced across the arena floor, painting the chaos with bursts of light.


    ¡°Did I get her?¡± the opponent WAIFU muttered, her voice trembling with uncertainty.


    Then, through the swirling smoke, a faint glow emerged. It grew brighter, a figure materializing within the haze.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    The silhouette was unlike anything they expected. Slowly, the figure took form: a Frame Unit, its presence radiating raw power. Towering X-shaped wings spread out from its back, their pristine white surfaces shimmering with arcs of lightning.


    The wings pulsed with energy, releasing streaks of lightning particles that coalesced into a protective barrier. The electric aura crackled menacingly, warding off the surrounding chaos.


    It wasn¡¯t an angel. No, it was something far more formidable¡ªa harbinger of retribution, reborn amidst the storm.


    ¡°N-no! It can¡¯t be!¡± The opponent¡¯s support unit gasped, their voice trembling with disbelief. The glowing Frame Unit before them, crowned by radiant X-shaped wings, was unmistakable. It was Myrrh¡¯s Frame Unit¡ªreborn, stronger than ever.


    Her transformation was awe-inspiring. The melted armor that had once signaled her defeat was now pristine, gleaming with a renewed sheen. Her left arm and leg, previously destroyed, were restored, their movements fluid and precise. But it was the jetpack that drew all eyes. The X-shaped wings hummed with power, releasing chaotic bolts of lightning that lashed out unpredictably, searing the air with deafening cracks.


    The arena trembled with the force of her resurgence. Bolts of electricity ricocheted wildly, as if the jetpack''s energy was too immense to contain. The opposing Frame Unit darted backward, its ankle thrusters firing at full force to avoid the erratic strikes.


    ¡°We still have the Radioactive Flamethrower, Jenny!¡± the opponent¡¯s support unit urged, desperation lacing their words. ¡°Try it again!¡±


    ¡°Got it!¡± Jenny¡¯s Frame Unit snapped into action, repositioning her massive flame cannon with deadly precision. Her target was clear, and she locked her sights. ¡°You will¡ª¡±


    Before she could finish her sentence, Myrrh vanished from her crosshairs, leaving only a crackling afterimage in her wake.


    ¡°What? Where did she go?¡± Jenny cried, her voice edged with panic.


    The answer came in a shout from her support unit:


    ¡°Above you!¡±


    The opposing Frame Unit began to tilt its head upward, but before it could react, a thunderous impact shattered the air. A missile-like force slammed into the ground with earth-shaking power, obliterating the Radioactive Flamethrower in a single, cataclysmic strike. But it wasn¡¯t a missile¡ªit was Myrrh, descending like a meteor, her mechanical leg extended in a devastating kick.


    The impact was monumental. The arena floor cracked beneath the force, forming a jagged crater at the point of collision. The opponent¡¯s Frame Unit staggered, its mechanical arms mangled beyond recognition, sparks and shards of metal flying outward.


    ¡°Gah!¡± Jenny¡¯s Frame Unit cried out, its systems faltering under the sheer ferocity of the blow.


    Myrrh didn¡¯t hesitate. With fluid precision, she twisted her newly regenerated body, the X-shaped jetpack flaring with a burst of energy. Her leg swung in a deadly arc, lightning crackling along its surface as she aimed a roundhouse kick at her opponent¡¯s head.


    ¡°Hiyaaaah!¡± Myrrh¡¯s warcry echoed through the arena as her kick connected.


    The strike was devastating, a combination of speed and power honed to perfection. The opponent Frame Unit¡¯s head was severed cleanly, sent spiraling through the air before landing with a metallic clatter. The lifeless body followed suit, collapsing to its knees before crumpling onto the arena floor.


    For a moment, the arena was silent, the crowd holding its breath. Then the realization hit¡ªthere was no need for a referee. The victor was clear.


    The crowd erupted in thunderous cheers, the sound deafening as they celebrated the spectacular conclusion.


    ¡°The winner of this match is Examinee Number 11!¡± Dianca, the emcee, announced, her voice amplified over the roaring audience.


    Meanwhile, in stark contrast, the opponent¡¯s support unit fell to their knees, clutching at the floor in defeat. ¡°N-no¡­ it can¡¯t be¡­ We were so close!¡± they murmured, their voice cracking with despair.


    Myrrh stood amidst the chaos, her wings crackling with residual energy, the undeniable symbol of triumph.


    The platform beneath me began its slow descent, the hum of machinery barely audible over the fading cheers of the crowd. When it finally settled on the ground, Myrrh was already there, disabling her Frame Unit transformation. Her towering mechanical form shrank and shifted, parts folding and merging until she returned to her human self, standing amidst the aftermath of the battle.


    She ran toward me at first, a triumphant smile lighting up her face. But as she drew closer, her expression wavered. A blush crept across her cheeks, and she quickly averted her gaze, her confidence faltering.


    ¡°I told you I didn¡¯t need your help,¡± she said, puffing out her cheeks and crossing her arms. Her voice carried a note of defiance, but it was tinged with something softer¡ªuncertainty. ¡°Hmph.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but smirk. ¡°Pretty sure I just saved your prideful fat ass back there.¡±


    Her blue eyes flicked up to meet mine, wide with indignation, only for her gaze to dart away again. Then she looked back. And away. And back once more. Finally, she let out a small sigh, her blush deepening, before bowing her head slightly.


    ¡°I-I take that back,¡± she stammered, her voice trembling ever so slightly. ¡°I definitely needed your help. I¡­ I was just throwing a tantrum for some unknown reason, and we almost lost because of me. It was my fault, so¡­ sorry.¡± Her words came out haltingly, as though each one carried the weight of her pride crumbling. ¡°Even though I was stubborn and a bit immature earlier, you still gave me wings to win the fight.¡±


    ¡°A bit immature? No, you were downright bratty and bitchy back there,¡± I said, my smirk widening.


    Myrrh shot me a glare, her blue eyes sparkling with a mix of anger and embarrassment. ¡°I¡¯m apologizing, okay?¡± she snapped, her voice rising an octave. ¡°I don¡¯t even understand my own feelings, so I¡¯m apologizing right now!¡± Her mouth twisted into an awkward squiggle, and her blush burned brighter, a full display of her frustration.


    I sighed, placing my hands on my hips. Watching her wrestle with her pride and finally let it go was oddly satisfying. It wasn¡¯t every day Myrrh admitted fault, and I was thoroughly enjoying the moment.


    Without hesitation, I reached out and gently patted her head. Her hair, soft and greenish-blonde, felt like silk beneath my fingers as I brushed through it. She froze at first, her eyes widening in surprise, before her blush deepened even further.


    ¡°All¡¯s well that ends well,¡± I said with a chuckle. ¡°And don¡¯t be so jealous. I¡¯m not nearly as popular with the girls as you seem to think.¡±


    Her voice dropped to a mutter. ¡°I am not jealous, stupid.¡± But despite her words, she leaned slightly into my hand, silently enjoying the headpat, her pout softening into something far less guarded.

 Chapter 54 - The Great Third Years

    Chapter 54 - The Great Third Years


    As we slipped through the backstage area, I absentmindedly ran my fingers through Myrrh''s silky, smooth hair, the sensation akin to stroking the finest velvet. She remained silent, though her cheeks were tinged with a delicate pink, her icy-blue eyes flickering with a mix of embarrassment and a cold, distant glare. Despite her stoic demeanor, she made no move to protest, allowing my hand to linger as if she were a reluctant pet indulging her owner''s whims.


    The hallway ahead was dimly lit, the faint hum of distant machinery creating an almost reverent silence. As we turned a corner, a familiar figure emerged from the shadows. Her silver hair shimmered under the dim light, flowing like molten silver, and her amber eyes glinted with a sharp intelligence. A red armband on her sleeve marked her as a senior, but it was her regal bearing that truly stood out¡ªMichelle Gehabich moved with the grace of an aristocrat, each step purposeful and measured, like a sheltered princess navigating her domain.


    By her side stood a towering man with a perpetually impassive expression. His uninterested eyes scanned the area as if everything around him were beneath his notice. He bore the same red armband, marking him as part of her support unit, and his stiff posture exuded the air of an unyielding sentinel.


    "Oh, congratulations on your win, Mister," Michelle said, her voice smooth and polished, carrying a faint note of amusement.


    "Thank you, senior," I replied, offering her a polite smile as I continued to stroke Myrrh''s head, much to her silent dismay.


    Michelle tilted her head slightly, her silver locks cascading like a waterfall over her shoulder. Her curiosity gleamed openly as she asked, "That weapon you used¡ªLightning Storm, was it? I''ve never seen anything like it. Was that your partner''s Ultimate?"


    The question caught me off guard. Myrrh stiffened beneath my hand, her frosty gaze snapping toward me like a blade made of ice. Reluctantly, I withdrew my hand, trying to mask my unease with a faint smile. "Yes," I replied, the lie slipping out smoothly, though it felt like a stone lodged in my throat.


    Michelle''s amber eyes flicked toward Myrrh, studying her with an unsettling intensity. "Oh, that''s an incredible Ultimate. But yesterday, you had those spiky sword-wings. Does your Ultimate change forms?"


    My heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, my entire body tensed. Of all people, it had to be Michelle who noticed such a minute detail. Her perceptiveness felt like a scalpel, cutting closer to truths I couldn''t afford to reveal. The Blade Wing she mentioned was Myrrh''s true Ultimate, a manifestation of her own power. The Lightning Storm, on the other hand, was a weapon of devastation¡ªa WMD Series gifted by the enigmatic Machine God.


    I couldn''t let her¡ªor anyone¡ªknow about the system that linked me to that foreign entity. The stakes were too high, and the consequences of discovery too dire.


    "It depends on my opponent," Myrrh interjected smoothly, her voice calm yet carrying an edge of authority. Her words spared me from the burden of crafting another lie. "My ''Wings'' can adapt, taking different forms depending on the situation."


    "Oh, so you''re an adaptive type. I see." Michelle nodded thoughtfully, her slender fingers coming up to rest lightly on her chin. Her amber eyes seemed to glaze over, lost in a moment of quiet contemplation, as if she were analyzing Myrrh''s statement for hidden meanings.


    Meanwhile, her towering partner remained an island of indifference. His gaze, cold and unwavering, lingered somewhere above my shoulder, completely detached from the conversation. The disinterest etched on his face made it clear that our exchange barely registered to him. Yet, his silent vigilance gave him an air of understated menace, like a blade concealed in plain sight.


    When Michelle''s musings seemed to stretch too long, he finally broke his silence, leaning slightly toward her to murmur in a deep, quiet tone, "Mich, it''s time for our match."


    "Oh, right." Michelle''s thoughtful expression softened into a warm smile, and she turned back to us. "Good luck in the next rounds!" she said, her voice carrying an easy cheerfulness as she gave a small wave.


    "Yeah, you too!" I replied, mirroring her wave with a polite smile.


    Beside me, Myrrh followed suit, offering a small, graceful wave of her own. The movement was subtle, almost hesitant, but her eyes betrayed a quiet determination that contrasted with her outward composure.


    As Michelle and her partner walked away, their retreating figures seemed to carry an unspoken weight. The soft click of Michelle''s heels echoed faintly in the corridor, while her partner''s measured strides moved in perfect sync, his presence as stoic as ever.


    As the two third-years made their way toward the arena, Myrrh and I headed in the opposite direction, our paths diverging like two rivers flowing toward different destinies. The distant roar of the crowd faded with each step, leaving only the echo of our footsteps in the quiet corridor.


    As we walked, a memory of how soft Myrrh''s hair felt earlier resurfaced, and without much thought, I reached out to pat her head again, letting my hand glide over those silken strands.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    This time, however, I wasn''t met with silent tolerance. Myrrh''s icy-blue eyes snapped up at me, sharp and unforgiving, like twin daggers poised to strike. Her delicate brows furrowed into a deep frown, and with a swift motion, she swatted my hand away before driving her elbow into my stomach.


    "Ugh! Ow!" I recoiled, clutching my midsection. The blow wasn''t strong, but it was enough to knock the wind out of me and leave me momentarily stunned. "What was that for!?"


    "You stupid goon!" she hissed, her voice a sharp whisper that somehow felt louder than a shout. "Why did you use your powers like that, and in the open? Never mind that¡ªeverybody saw it, probably even on social media! Did you forget the entire Licensure Examination Tournament is being live-streamed?"


    Her words hit harder than her elbow, and my stomach sank. "Oh, shit, you''re right!" I blurted, my face twisting in realization. "But hey, it wasn''t my fault for showing off my special abilities! It was your fault, you prideful brat!"


    Myrrh''s pout deepened, her cheeks puffing out in a way that almost made her frustration endearing¡ªalmost. "Well, I''m partly to blame for that," she admitted, crossing her arms and glaring at me. "But you could''ve used that ace my mom taught you instead of panicking. You''re the one who forgot to keep your powers a secret."


    "Welp, what''s done is done," I said, shrugging helplessly. "We both acted on our impulses, so let''s just agree we''re fifty-fifty to blame for this mess. Besides, nobody seemed to notice anything. Even our upperclassman thought it was your Ultimate. You even came up with that quick explanation about your wings changing forms."


    I forced a smile, hoping to ease the tension, but Myrrh''s expression didn''t soften. She stared at me for a moment longer before letting out a soft, exasperated sigh, her shoulders relaxing ever so slightly.


    "You may be off the hook for now," Myrrh said, her tone carrying a warning edge, "but it won''t be long before you get discovered if you keep recklessly using your WMDs. That Michelle woman is already watching you closely, so you''d better be careful from now on."


    I couldn''t resist poking fun at her seriousness, a mischievous smirk curling on my lips. "There you go again¡ªgetting jealous, aren''t you?"


    "It''s not about jealousy, you stupid imbecile!" she snapped, her voice rising with frustration as her foot slammed against the floor in an angry stomp. The sharp sound echoed in the hallway, emphasizing the depth of her irritation.


    "Alright, alright, I''m sorry," I said, holding up my hands in mock surrender before reaching out to ruffle her hair again. "There, there." My tone was teasing, as if to dispel the tension with a bit of playful affection.


    But Myrrh was having none of it. Her patience had long since worn thin. With a swift motion, she batted my hand away, her icy-blue eyes narrowing in pure exasperation. "Don''t touch me!" she cried, her voice laced with indignation. "You''re ruining my hair!"


    <><><>


    A message buzzed on Myrrh''s communicator, and she quickly glanced at it. "It''s from Cindy," she said. "They''re waiting at Lounge Number 3¡ªour usual spot since yesterday."


    With that, we made our way there. The lounge was cozy, with warm lighting and cushioned chairs scattered around. When we entered, we found Remuel and Cindy sprawled on the couch, each holding a can of soda. Their eyes were glued to the TV screen mounted on the wall, which displayed the ongoing Licensure Examination matches.


    Just as we approached, Dianca''s enthusiastic voice rang out from the livestream speakers. "And the winner for this match is Examinee Number 1!"


    I turned my attention to the screen and felt a jolt of surprise. There she was¡ªthe silver-haired Michelle Gehabich, smiling brightly as she waved at the camera. Her demeanor was graceful yet playful, the perfect picture of a victorious competitor.


    "That was fast! We were just talking to her a minute ago!" Myrrh exclaimed, her hands on her hips as she stared at the screen in disbelief.


    "Damn, we completely missed the fight," I muttered, feeling a pang of regret for not sticking around to watch.


    Remuel turned to me, his face pale and his expression frozen in awe. "That WAIFU is incredible, but her support unit? A total monster. You should''ve seen it."


    "What? How did she win?" I asked, curiosity piqued. "Was it some kind of flashy Ultimate?"


    "No," Cindy replied, shaking her head as she took a sip of her soda. Her reddish-short hair swayed slightly with the motion. "Drones."


    "Drones?" I echoed, tilting my head in confusion. I glanced at Myrrh for clarification, but she just shrugged, her expression mirroring my bewilderment.


    Cindy leaned back on the couch, smirking as if she held some insider knowledge. "You had to see it to believe it. They weren''t just drones; they moved like an extension of her will. Precise. Lethal."


    Remuel nodded vigorously, the awe still evident on his face. "Her support unit controlled them like a symphony conductor. It wasn''t flashy, but it was terrifyingly efficient. The opponent didn''t stand a chance. It was like: Pew! Pew! Kaboom!"


    Suddenly, hushed whispers drifted from behind us. Curious, I turned around and spotted a group of third-years with red armbands, huddled together and speaking in animated tones. Their voices, though low, carried just enough for snippets of their conversation to reach my ears.


    "Is that Michelle Gehabich and her partner Aurelio Monsieur?" one of the girls murmured, her voice tinged with awe.


    "Gosh, Aurelio is so handsome! And did you see how he controlled those drones?" another girl chimed in, practically swooning.


    "I saw it! But don''t forget Michelle¡ªshe''s not just cute; she''s strong and cool! Did you know she''s the valedictorian of the third years? She''s the valedictorian in my heart as well!"


    "Wait, are you saying you swing that way?" teased a third girl, her tone playful. "Too bad, though. Word is they''re already a pair. I heard they''ve been together since last year, and they''ve dominated the Dean''s List¡ªfirst and second place¡ªfor three years straight!"


    "But I''m open for a threesome!" the second girl declared boldly, her voice dropping slightly, though not enough to escape my hearing.


    "Make that a foursome, and I''m in!" the first girl added with a giggle.


    I turned back toward the others, deciding it was best to ignore the desperate, perverted musings of the girls behind us. Still, the whispers weren''t without value¡ªthey painted a clearer picture of Michelle and Aurelio''s capabilities. A valedictorian and a battlefield powerhouse? If even half of what they said was true, those two were a formidable duo.


    Leaning closer to Myrrh, I muttered, "It seems Michelle and Aurelio are a force to be reckoned with. Let''s just hope we can get our five wins quickly and avoid facing them in this tournament."


    Myrrh nodded, her lips pressed into a thin line. "Yeah. We''ve got enough on our plate without running into them."

 Chapter 55 - Counting Beers

    Chapter 55 - Counting Beers


    I ran the numbers again, my mind spinning as the implications sank in. Out of the original 100 pairs competing in the second round of the Licensure Examination Tournament, only three pairs will ultimately walk away with a license. Just three. That stark reality made it nearly certain: Myrrh and I might have to face Michelle in our final two matches.


    Michelle and Aurelio¡ªthird-year legends, and the top-ranked WAIFU and WEEB operators¡ªstood like an immovable mountain on the horizon of this tournament. The thought of battling them sent a nervous shiver through me. They were obstacles so massive, it was hard to believe we¡¯d ever climb over them. And yet, despite their looming reputation, we¡¯d barely scratched the surface of what they were capable of.


    ¡°Drones,¡± Cindy had said when we talked about Michelle earlier. Drones? The word felt alien to me as a weapon. My own clearance level wasn¡¯t high enough to access that kind of technology, but it made sense. Third-years operated at a Clearance Level of 25 or higher, so who knew what other surprises they had in their arsenal?


    Part of me wanted to pray¡ªnot for victory, but to avoid facing Michelle entirely. Yet, the gambler in me whispered a different tune. What if we took the risk? What if Myrrh and I managed to stand toe-to-toe with the third-year dean¡¯s listers and beat them?


    It wasn¡¯t just about the licenses anymore¡ªit was about the challenge, the thrill of pitting ourselves against the best. The conflict gnawed at me, a strange mix of fear and excitement twisting in my chest.


    I glanced over at Myrrh, who was absorbed in a video call with Fei. The glow from her screen highlighted her lime-blonde hair as it shifted slightly with every movement. In the background, Neil lounged in his hospital bed, eating orange slices like he didn¡¯t have a care in the world. His nonchalance was almost contagious.


    ¡°I saw your battle earlier, Myrrh! It was such a close call, but you were amazing!¡± Fei exclaimed, pumping her fists in excitement. Her vibrant energy leaped off the screen, her admiration evident. ¡°What was that mysterious wing thing you did? I¡¯ve never seen anything like it!¡±


    ¡°Ahaha¡­¡± Myrrh¡¯s cheeks flushed a soft pink as she scratched her cheek, clearly flustered by the praise. ¡°That¡¯s Zaft¡¯s secret weapon. You¡¯d have to ask him for the details,¡± she replied, her voice carrying a hint of bashfulness.


    Myrrh smirked at me, a teasing glint in her blue eyes. I narrowed mine in response, shooting her a glare that I hoped conveyed my annoyance. She knew exactly what she was doing. The Weapons of Mass Destruction Series was meant to be a secret, but the Lightning Storm weapon¡ªher so-called "Blade Wings"¡ªwasn¡¯t entirely hidden from the public. Documentation and videos of its use were all over the social media, though most people wouldn¡¯t bother digging that deep.


    For our close friends, though¡ªthe ones who understood the true nature of Myrrh¡¯s Ultimate¡ªthe weapon¡¯s sudden transformation might raise some eyebrows. Myrrh didn¡¯t want to outright lie to them, so she¡¯d conveniently left the responsibility of explaining¡ªor not explaining¡ªthe truth squarely on my shoulders.


    Great.


    The thought made me sigh internally. Even if I did spill everything¡ªthe WMDs, the Machine God, all the classified details¡ªI doubted anyone would take me seriously. It all sounded too fantastical, like something ripped out of a low-budget sci-fi film. Maybe that was the silver lining: I could technically tell the truth without any real consequences.


    Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Fei on Myrrh¡¯s camera, her wide, curious eyes lighting up as she spotted me.


    ¡°Hiya, Zaft!¡± she chirped, waving enthusiastically. Her energy was almost childlike, and I couldn¡¯t help but smile a little. ¡°What was that weapon?¡± she asked, tilting her head slightly.


    Before I could answer, Neil popped into view, his casual demeanor now replaced with inquisitive excitement. ¡°Yeah! I haven¡¯t seen you equip that before!¡± he said, leaning closer to the camera with a grin. ¡°Fei and I are really curious.¡±


    Fei nodded vigorously, her small fists pumping in anticipation.


    I hesitated for a moment, forcing a smile to mask my internal conflict. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you more about it¡­ later,¡± I said, deliberately drawing out the words. ¡°But only if we win the tournament.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t a lie, but it wasn¡¯t quite the truth either. Their eager faces softened the weight of the secret I carried, but the thought of divulging too much still made my chest tighten. Winning the tournament first would give me enough time to decide if¡ªand how¡ªI¡¯d tell them everything.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°Never mind that!¡± Cindy suddenly interjected, her voice brimming with excitement as she slung her arms casually around both Myrrh¡¯s and my necks. ¡°If you guys win the tournament, let¡¯s hit up a club to celebrate! It¡¯ll be our power couple¡¯s treat, right, right?¡±


    ¡°Zaft will treat us all!¡± Myrrh chimed in with a playful wink, her teasing smile making it clear she was enjoying my impending doom. ¡°Right, right?¡±


    ¡°No! No!¡± I protested, waving my hands in a futile attempt to deflect the pressure. ¡°Why are you dumping all the expenses on me!?¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m kind of short on funds right now¡­¡± Myrrh clasped her hands together as if in prayer, her lime-green eyes sparkling with mischief. A blush crept across her cheeks, softening her expression into something impossibly cute. ¡°Pweeeeease? I¡¯ll pay it back, I promise!¡±


    Her pleading tone, combined with that adorably bashful look, was a lethal combination. I sighed in defeat, feeling my resolve crumble. ¡°F-Fine,¡± I muttered, rubbing the back of my neck. ¡°But only if we win.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you two will win!¡± Remuel declared, clapping a hand firmly on my shoulder. His wide grin and enthusiastic thumbs-up practically radiated confidence.


    ¡°Don¡¯t count your beers before they¡¯re brewed,¡± I shot back, rolling my eyes, though I couldn¡¯t stop a small smirk from tugging at the corner of my lips.


    The lighthearted banter eased some of the tension that had been weighing on my mind. Despite the pressure of the tournament, moments like these reminded me why we were fighting so hard¡ªnot just for the licenses, but for the bonds we shared and the memories we were creating along the way. That''s the real prize of this tournament.


    Who am I kidding? Of course I need that prize money, and ultimately, that internship job. I might go back to my old ways of gambling if I don''t get a way to earn money while studying here in Xyraxis.


    <><><>


    I couldn¡¯t decide if we were lucky or unlucky when the match announcements came through. The relief was immediate when I realized it wasn¡¯t Michelle and her support unit we¡¯d be facing. Her Examinee Number, 1, was practically etched into my brain by now. A quick glance confirmed that our next opponent bore a different number.


    ¡°For the fourth stage of this tournament, we will start with Examinee Number 11 versus Examinee Number 66!¡± Emcee Dianca¡¯s voice echoed across the arena, amplified by the energy of the crowd.


    Myrrh and I strode toward the arena, our steps in sync as the cheers around us swelled. The adrenaline in the air was almost tangible. When we reached the center, we finally got a good look at our opponents.


    The WAIFU was a petite girl with freckles scattered across her cheeks and bright orange hair tied into playful pigtails. She stood confidently beside her support unit¡ªa tall, lanky man with a long face, tan skin, and a distinct afro. Both wore red armbands, a clear sign that they were third-year students from Orbital Tech.


    ¡°Yo!¡± The tall man raised his hand in a casual wave, his tone friendly yet measured. ¡°You¡¯re that first-year who ranked fourth in the exams, right?¡±


    Cold sweat trickled down my temple as I forced a smile. ¡°Y-Yeah. Why?¡±


    ¡°I figured you¡¯d be a tough opponent,¡± he replied, his eyes narrowing slightly as if sizing me up. ¡°You¡¯ve got some serious tricks up your sleeve¡ªlike those wings your WAIFU deployed in that earlier match. What¡¯s that weapon called?¡±


    I froze, a nervous jolt shooting through me. The Lightning Storm weapon wasn¡¯t supposed to draw this much attention, but I should¡¯ve known better. The craters left behind from its destructive power were still visible on the arena floor, silent yet undeniable evidence of its might. Maybe it really was too much for this tournament, no matter how justified its use had been.


    ¡°It¡¯s my Ultimate,¡± Myrrh interjected smoothly, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade. She stepped forward, her gaze locking onto our opponents with unwavering confidence. ¡°Now, stop being curious and get ready. We¡¯re here to beat your asses.¡±


    ¡°Ziggy, that bitch grinds my gears,¡± the orange-haired WAIFU muttered, glaring daggers at Myrrh.


    Myrrh, unfazed, smirked back, the subtle tilt of her lips practically daring her opponent to make a move.


    ¡°Calm down, Winey,¡± the opponent support unit said with a chuckle, his casual tone doing little to hide his excitement. ¡°I¡¯m actually thrilled to see what this duo can do. I¡¯ve never seen a pair as dynamic as them. They remind me of Michelle and Aurelio.¡±


    ¡°Are you done?¡± Myrrh¡¯s sharp glare cut through his words like a blade. She flicked her hair over her shoulder and placed a hand on her hip, radiating an air of unshakable confidence. "It would benefit us both if there''s less talk and more beating."


    ¡°Okay, okay, I¡¯m done,¡± he replied, raising his hands in mock surrender. A sly grin spread across his face. ¡°Guess I¡¯ll see this ¡®Ultimate¡¯ of yours in action soon enough.¡±


    The exchange ended as both support units began walking toward the hover platforms. I glanced over at Myrrh, who shot me a reassuring nod before stepping into position. When we reached the platforms, they hummed to life, lifting us into the air with a smooth, gravity-defying motion.


    Down below, the WAIFUs took their places, gripping their morphers tightly. The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife, and the crowd¡¯s cheers and murmurs buzzed like static in the background.


    ¡°This will be the fourth round of the Licensure Examination Tournament!¡± Emcee Miles¡¯s voice boomed over the arena, his enthusiasm igniting the crowd. ¡°Let the battle begin, baby!¡±


    The whistle pierced the air, sharp and commanding.


    In perfect unison, the two WAIFUs raised their morphers high. Their voices echoed through the arena with unyielding determination:


    ¡°Frame Unit, Awaken!¡±


    A brilliant flash of light engulfed them, and when it subsided, the towering forms of their Frame Units dominated the battlefield.


    Our opponent¡¯s Frame Unit was an imposing sight¡ªa massive mech clad in vibrant orange armor, its black skeletal frame adding a menacing edge. Its green, glowing eyes pierced through the haze of dust stirred by the transformation. Bulkier and more heavily armored than Myrrh¡¯s sleeker Frame Unit, it exuded raw power, a physical declaration that this fight would be anything but easy.

 Chapter 56 - Lightning Crab

    Chapter 56 - Lightning Crab


    The opponent¡¯s support unit made the opening act, his movements sharp and deliberate. His fingers danced over the glowing hologram display projected within his HUD, and an intricate lattice of orange circuits illuminated his arm like molten veins.


    ¡°Lightning Rifle, Equip X2!¡± he commanded, his voice cutting through the tension.


    Two shimmering cybernetic circles materialized on either side of the opponent¡¯s Frame Unit, crackling with energy. From them emerged a pair of futuristic rifles, their sleek white exteriors pulsing with electricity. Without hesitation, the towering orange mech gripped the weapons, arcs of lightning dancing along their barrels, and unleashed a volley of crackling bolts straight at Myrrh!


    Myrrh¡¯s white-and-gold Frame Unit jolted into motion, her thrusters flaring as she sprinted in a wide semicircle. The lightning bolts struck the ground mere inches from her, each impact searing the air with the acrid scent of ozone. Her evasive maneuvers were desperate but precise, the bolts grazing her armor.


    Sweat pricked my forehead as I realized she wouldn¡¯t last long without support. I slammed my hand against the [Light Shield] and [Beam Rifle] options in my WEEB System, circuits along my arm igniting in a brilliant blue glow.


    ¡°Light Shield, Beam Rifle, Equip!¡± I bellowed, channeling every ounce of urgency into my command.


    In an instant, two luminous cybernetic circles materialized around Myrrh, and she summoned a radiant shield in one hand and a sleek rifle in the other. She raised the shield just in time to deflect a bolt of lightning, the impact sparking against its surface like a firework.


    But then, a sharp, high-pitched buzz filled the air, followed by Myrrh¡¯s pained cry.


    ¡°Aaaah!¡± Her voice was strained, trembling with agony.


    ¡°Myrrh! What¡¯s happening?¡± I shouted, panic clawing at my chest.


    The opponent¡¯s support unit sneered, tilting his head with an air of smug superiority. ¡°Fools!¡± he jeered, his grin cutting like a knife. ¡°The Lightning Rifle is the perfect counter to your precious Light Shield. That shield of yours is metal¡ªhighly conductive! Every bolt I fire will crawl through your Frame Unit¡¯s armor and fry you from the inside!¡±


    The opponent Frame Unit unleashed another barrage of crackling lightning bolts from her twin Lightning Rifles, the air hissing with static energy. Myrrh darted to the side, her Frame Unit¡¯s thrusters sputtering as they struggled to keep up with her frantic maneuvers. The first shot scorched the ground just inches from her feet. The second grazed her shoulder, leaving a glowing streak of molten metal on her armor. The third left her no escape.


    Cornered against the jagged remains of a blast wall, Myrrh had no choice. She raised her shield to block the incoming bolt, its surface flaring bright as it absorbed the energy.


    ¡°Kyah!¡± she cried, her voice trembling with pain as the electric current surged through her Frame Unit, sparking against the circuits.


    ¡°Hahahaha!¡± The opponent WAIFU¡¯s laughter rang out, mocking and triumphant. ¡°So much for your arrogance! You¡¯re just a first-year wannabe!¡±


    Her partner, the support unit, smirked, his cold gaze locking onto me. ¡°Now then,¡± he growled, his voice laced with menace. ¡°Show me that mysterious power of yours, fourth place!¡±


    His words weren¡¯t an insult¡ªthey were a calculated taunt. He wasn¡¯t just mocking my rank in the written exams; he was challenging me, daring me to reveal the trump card he suspected I had. My stomach churned as I realized his plan. He wanted me to lose control, to unleash my Weapons of Mass Destruction, to prove to everyone just how dangerous I could be.


    ¡°Zaft, don¡¯t fall for his trap!¡± Myrrh¡¯s shout snapped me out of my spiraling thoughts.


    Her Frame Unit tossed the sparking, useless shield to the ground with a defiant clang. In a fluid motion, she raised her beam rifle, the barrel glowing hot with charged energy.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go close range!¡± she declared, her voice fierce and unwavering as her thrusters ignited, propelling her forward like a streak of white and gold lightning.


    The opponent Frame Unit twisted and weaved through the green lasers, her movements fluid and precise. But each evasive maneuver gave Myrrh the chance she needed. Her metallic leg thrusters roared to life at full throttle, leaving trails of blue exhaust as she surged forward, firing erratic beams from her rifle. The shots weren¡¯t meant to hit¡ªthey were a calculated distraction, a smokescreen for her real objective: closing the distance.


    Crack!


    Three lightning bolts seared through the air, fired in rapid succession. Myrrh ducked and weaved, narrowly avoiding the first two. But the third bolt struck her Beam Rifle dead center, sending sparks flying.


    Thinking fast, Myrrh released the weapon, letting it fall from her grasp just before the electricity could course through her Frame Unit. The rifle hit the ground with a heavy thud, its charred surface smoking. Now, completely weaponless, Myrrh pressed forward with nothing but her wits and speed.


    I clenched my fists and slammed my hand against the [Buster Sword] option in my WEEB System. My left arm ignited with glowing blue circuits, pulsing like a heartbeat. Pointing toward Myrrh, I shouted, ¡°Buster Sword, Equip!¡±


    A massive blue-and-white sword, shimmering with a faint, almost ethereal glow, materialized from a glowing cybernetic circle. Myrrh grasped the hilt as it fully manifested, her Frame Unit trembling slightly under the weapon¡¯s immense weight.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    She tumbled forward, narrowly evading another lightning bolt that hissed past her shoulder, and used the momentum to propel herself into a lunging charge. The thrusters on her back flared one last time as she raised the buster sword high, pouring every ounce of her mechanical strength into the strike.


    ¡°Yaaah!¡± Myrrh roared, her voice ringing with defiance as the giant blade came crashing down, aiming for a decisive blow.


    For a moment, victory seemed inevitable. The opponent¡¯s WAIFU was locked in a dual-wielding stance with her Lightning Rifles, weapons ill-suited for close combat. But just as the blade descended, her partner¡¯s voice boomed across the battlefield, laced with triumph.


    ¡°Beast Transformation, Activate!¡±


    The support unit thrust his glowing, orange-circuit hand toward his WAIFU. A surge of energy erupted from his palm, swirling toward her like a fiery storm. The air itself seemed to tremble, and Myrrh¡¯s buster sword strike met resistance¡ªnot from metal, but from a sudden and monstrous transformation.


    In a sudden, jarring transformation, the orange-and-black Frame Unit reconfigured itself, plates of metal shifting and interlocking with mechanical precision. Within seconds, it morphed into a hulking mechanical crab, its tank-like wheels grinding against the battlefield floor. Sparks of electricity crackled ominously from its massive lightning pincers, which snapped open and clamped down on Myrrh¡¯s descending buster sword just before it could cleave through its armored head.


    ¡°What the¡ª?! She transformed?!¡± Myrrh¡¯s voice trembled with shock.


    The opponent WAIFU¡¯s voice boomed from the crab Frame Unit, dripping with condescension. ¡°This is a weapon exclusive to us third years! Don¡¯t underestimate us, you filthy beansprouts!¡±


    With a powerful crunch, the mechanical crab¡¯s pincers exerted immense force, crushing the buster sword in Myrrh¡¯s grasp. The blade splintered with a deafening crack, shards of glowing metal scattering across the ground like shattered glass.


    But the assault didn¡¯t stop there. The crab¡¯s other massive pincer swung in a deadly arc, seizing Myrrh¡¯s left mechanical arm in a vise-like grip. With a swift, brutal snap, the pincer severed the arm clean from her Frame Unit. The dismembered limb tumbled to the ground, trailing a cascade of sparks and wires.


    ¡°Guh!¡± Myrrh gasped, her voice thick with pain and disbelief. ¡°She got me!¡±


    Her thrusters ignited in a desperate burst of energy, propelling her backward and out of the mechanical crab¡¯s immediate reach. As she landed, her Frame Unit staggered, the severed stump of her left arm emitting erratic flashes of light and crackling electricity. Myrrh clutched the damaged joint, her breaths coming in ragged, pained bursts.


    The opponent¡¯s support unit smirked, his orange-circuit hand still glowing faintly as he cast a taunting gaze in my direction. ¡°So, Mister Fourth Place,¡± he drawled, his words sharp and mocking. ¡°Now¡¯s the time to show your ace. Or are you just going to watch her get dismantled?¡±


    I clenched my fists, teeth grinding as I struggled to suppress my frustration. Activating the WMD series was a double-edged sword¡ªit would expose my secret to everyone. And even if I wanted to use it, there was another problem: I had no control over when it would manifest. The WMD series only responded in moments of synchronicity, when Myrrh was pushed to the brink, and our brainwaves aligned perfectly.


    For now, all I could do was watch, waiting for the moment when everything would finally click into place.


    Myrrh¡¯s voice cut through my spiraling thoughts like a jolt of electricity, snapping me back to reality.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do it, Zaft!¡± she shouted, her tone sharp and commanding.


    ¡°W-What?!¡± I stammered, caught off guard. "Are you sure I should use that weapon again?"


    ¡°Not that one, idiot!¡± she barked, her words laced with both urgency and exasperation. ¡°The one my mother taught you!¡±


    For a moment, my mind reeled, then clarity struck like a flash of light. Miss Mirana Alicent¡¯s teachings resurfaced¡ªthe lessons she had drilled into me about maximizing the potential of the Weaponry Enhancement Engineering Bios, even at our current, lower clearance levels. It was a technique we hadn¡¯t fully mastered but had no choice but to rely on now.


    A grin spread across my face as realization dawned. ¡°Are we really doing this? Here? Now?¡±


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Myrrh shouted, her thrusters roaring to life as she surged toward the colossal crab Frame Unit, her determination burning brighter than ever. ¡°We¡¯ll settle this, right here, right now!¡±


    I didn¡¯t hesitate. With a swift gesture, I minimized the holographic HUD and extended both hands, now blazing with radiant blue circuits, toward Myrrh¡¯s advancing Frame Unit. The energy flowed from me to her, linking us in a seamless circuit of power.


    In that instant, Myrrh¡¯s Frame Unit shimmered with a brilliant light, and a massive Rail Cannon materialized on her shoulder. The weapon was a masterpiece of engineering, its sleek barrel glowing faintly as it hummed with energy.


    ¡°Fire!¡± I shouted, my voice merging with hers in perfect synchrony.


    The Rail Cannon roared to life, unleashing three consecutive shots, each projectile tearing through the air with a deafening crack. The first two rail bullets slammed into the crab¡¯s reinforced armor, deflecting harmlessly against its metallic shell. Sparks flew, but the giant mech remained unscathed.


    The third shot, however, found its mark. The rail projectile struck squarely in the center of the crab Frame Unit¡¯s face, the impact detonating with a blinding flash of light and a thunderous explosion.


    ¡°What the¡ª?!¡± the opponent WAIFU cried, her voice distorted by the chaos of the blast.


    For the first time, their seemingly impenetrable defense had been breached. The metallic crab stumbled back on its tank-like wheels, sparks and smoke pouring from the gaping wound where its head had once been pristine.


    As the glow of Myrrh¡¯s Rail Cannon faded, the massive weapon disintegrated into particles of light. Almost instantly, a sleek jetpack materialized on her back, its twin thrusters roaring to life. Without hesitation, Myrrh launched herself forward, her Frame Unit moving like a missile. Using her momentum, she delivered a powerful kick to the enemy Frame Unit, her metallic leg slamming into the crab¡¯s massive body with an audible clang!


    The sheer force sent the gigantic crab Frame Unit hurtling into the air, its tank wheels flailing helplessly.


    ¡°Wah!¡± the opponent WAIFU yelped, her voice panicked as her mech spiraled upward.


    Not letting up for even a second, Myrrh used her jetpack to ascend, quickly matching the altitude of the airborne crab. As she closed in, her Frame Unit spun with breathtaking agility, the jetpack dissolving into shimmering light as she manifested a Beam Rifle mid-spin.


    Three sharp blasts erupted from the rifle¡¯s barrel, each shot finding its mark. The glowing beams scorched through the crab¡¯s thick armor, leaving jagged, smoldering cracks along its shell.


    ¡°What the hell!? How can you equip weapons that fast?!¡± the opponent¡¯s support unit shouted, his voice tinged with disbelief and frustration.


    I couldn¡¯t help but smirk as I twitched my hand, the blue circuits on my arm flickering with renewed energy. Myrrh¡¯s Beam Rifle began to shimmer and shift, its form elongating and reshaping in an instant. It transformed into a gleaming Laser Sword, its blade humming with deadly energy.


    With a feral roar, Myrrh raised the sword above her head, her Frame Unit blazing with raw power. ¡°Get fucked!¡± she bellowed, her voice echoing across the battlefield as she plunged the Laser Sword downward.


    The blade sliced cleanly through the crab Frame Unit, sparks and molten metal erupting from the wound. The sheer force of the attack sent the colossal mech crashing to the ground, its massive body collapsing under its own weight. Steel parts scattered across the battlefield with a deafening cacophony, the once-formidable opponent reduced to a smoldering heap.

 Chapter 57 - WEEB Cheater

    Chapter 57 - WEEB Cheater


    Let''s have a brief flashback.


    I can still vividly recall the night Miss Mirana Alicent shared her wisdom with me. She sat comfortably on her hospital bed, her long blonde-green hair shimmering in the soft, ethereal glow of moonlight streaming through the window.


    Her presence was both serene and commanding, like a retired lady knight resting after a hard-fought battle. In her hands, she held an overpowered smartwatch¡ªWEEB System, Clearance Level 141¡ªa relic of her past, connected to her former partner.


    ¡°My ex-husband¡ªer, my ex-partner¡ªused to abuse the Weaponry Enhancement Engineering Bios,¡± she said, her voice calm but laced with a sharp edge. Then she smiled, a threatening curve of her lips that hinted at untold pain and vengeance. ¡°For most support units, it¡¯s called cheating. But, well, my ex-partner was a cheater anyway.¡±


    As she spoke, I could almost feel the invisible weight of her crimson aura pressing down on me, a heat that didn¡¯t burn but unnerved, though nothing visible betrayed its presence.


    ¡°Ahem,¡± Myrrh interrupted from beside me, her tone polite but firm. ¡°Please stay on track, mother.¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± Miss Mirana said with a nod, as though snapping out of a trance. ¡°As I was saying, it was a form of cheating¡ªa way to exploit the WEEB System¡¯s time lag and force it to activate perpetually and continuously.¡±


    She picked up her phone and showed us a video. On the screen, her white-and-gold Frame Unit sprang to life, armed with a beam rifle. Moments later, the rifle seamlessly morphed into a sword, then into a shield, and finally into a massive buster sword. The transitions were flawless¡ªfluid as water, the weapon seeming not to change but to grow and shift as if alive.


    ¡°There¡¯s a time lag between equipment callouts and the manifestation of the cybernetic circles,¡± she explained, her tone shifting into that of a meticulous strategist. ¡°If I remember correctly, it¡¯s 0.175 seconds. If you¡¯re fast enough, you can bypass the materialization entirely and jump straight into reshaping the currently equipped weapon.¡±


    ¡°So, in video game terms, it¡¯s like animation canceling,¡± Myrrh muttered, her eyes lighting up with comprehension. I glanced at her, amazed as always by how easily she could connect real-world phenomena to gaming mechanics. I couldn¡¯t even begin to think that way, and it was moments like this that made me admire her even more¡ªnot in a romantic way, of course.


    ¡°How about the weapon callouts?¡± I asked, leaning forward with curiosity. ¡°WEEB is controlled by touch and voice command, right?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to,¡± Mirana Alicent replied, shaking her head slightly, her expression calm but knowing. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve noticed it by now¡ªwhen the cybernetic circuits glow on your hand as you equip a weapon to a Frame Unit, there¡¯s a slight time lag before the glow fades. I think it¡¯s about 0.2 seconds. During that brief window, between the sweet spot of 0.175 and 0.2 seconds, your circuits are still active, and no voice command is necessary. However, in that split second, you must press the next weapon on your HUD to make the swap seamless.¡±


    Her explanation hit me like a revelation, and I couldn¡¯t help but gape in awe. ¡°Oooooh.¡± Beside me, Myrrh¡¯s eyes widened, her surprise mirroring my own.


    Miss Mirana Alicent smirked faintly, a mixture of satisfaction and amusement flickering in her eyes. Without ceremony, she held out the smartwatch¡ªthe WEEB System of her ex-husband¡ªand placed it in my hands. The device was battered yet functional, its surface worn smooth from years of use.


    ¡°Here. Practice weapon swapping with this,¡± she said. ¡°You won¡¯t need Myrrh to transform into a Frame Unit to train with it. His WEEB System has some pointers that will guide you through the process.¡±


    I held the smartwatch gingerly, as though it were a relic. ¡°I-Isn¡¯t this important to you?¡± I stammered, glancing at her. ¡°I mean, it belonged to your husband¡ªer, ex-husband¡ª¡±


    ¡°Not in the slightest,¡± she interrupted with a disarming smile that somehow carried an undercurrent of menace. ¡°I was supposed to toss that piece of junk in the trash ten years ago, but I always forgot. I thought about pawning it, but that would¡¯ve been dirty money¡ªfilthy, just like my ex-husband.¡± She chuckled, her tone light but laced with venom. ¡°At least now it¡¯ll serve a purpose in your hands. Feel free to throw that crap away when you¡¯re done practicing.¡±


    ¡°R-Right,¡± I muttered, forcing a smile that felt as shaky as my voice. ¡°Thank you for this, Miss Alicent.¡±


    I glanced over at Myrrh, seeking some silent reassurance. She met my gaze with a knowing smile¡ªa gentle, almost pitying curve of her lips that seemed to say, Please bear with my mother. It was a look I¡¯d seen before, one that balanced affection with exasperation.


    "By the way, if I may ask..." I ventured carefully, sensing this might be a delicate subject. "Where is Mister Alicent?"


    Miss Mirana''s expression brightened, her lips curving into a sweet smile that somehow felt sharper than it appeared. "He died." The way she lingered on the word died gave it an edge, as if savoring the syllable.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    "T-That''s horrible," I stammered, unsure how to respond. "How did he die? Was it because of the Cosmic Beasts?"


    "Uh, no," she replied breezily, her tone almost nonchalant. "He had a heart attack. On the sidewalk."


    "Oh," I muttered, blinking in surprise. "Was he sick?"


    "Yes," Miss Mirana answered, her smile unwavering. "He was diagnosed with being a compulsive cheater. I''m pretty sure he collected every STD known to humanity. Quite the accomplishment, don''t you think?"


    "Mom," Myrrh interjected sharply, her glare sharp enough to cut through steel.


    But Miss Mirana pressed on, her tone taking a dramatic turn. "After the heart attack, he tripped and broke his neck. Then he got rolled over by a car¡ªno, a truck! A twelve-wheeler cement mixer truck! And after that, a Frame Unit''s buster sword just happened to fall on his face!" Her eyes gleamed with unhinged glee as she continued. "Oh, and that buster sword? It was a bomb. Planted by none other than the Neo Terrestrial Reich terrorists! And it exploded! BOOM!"


    She clapped her hands for emphasis, her voice rising in intensity. "Then a spaceship crashed into his mangled body! And THEN, if you can believe it, a Cosmic Beast fell right on top of the wreckage and boom! It was over for him! And then, he went straight to hell! That fucking cheater! Fucking cheater!"


    By now, Miss Mirana was both laughing and crying, the sound teetering on the edge of hysteria. Tears streamed down her face even as she grinned, her emotions a chaotic swirl of bitterness and relief.


    I stood frozen, unsure whether to laugh, cry, or run. Myrrh buried her face in her hands, her exasperation palpable as she muttered under her breath, "Please, just stop. You know my father is still out there somewhere, buying some milk or something..."


    Now that I think about it, Myrrh and Miss Mirana Alicent share more than just their striking resemblance. Both possess the same stunning beauty¡ªgraceful features framed by captivating hair, and a figure that seems to command attention effortlessly. But beyond their outward allure lies a deeper, more poignant similarity: their unfortunate luck in love.


    It¡¯s almost uncanny. Both of them have a tendency to draw in people who seem like the wrong pieces for their puzzle, leaving them bitter and bruised by romance. In that sense, they¡¯re not just beautiful¡ªthey¡¯re tragic, carrying a quiet melancholy that hints at unspoken heartaches. Myrrh, though younger, shares her mother¡¯s weary longing, as if hopeless romanticism runs in their veins.


    <><><>


    Back to the present.


    The crowd erupted into wild cheers as the massive metal crab lay in pieces, sparks and smoke rising from its shattered frame. Among the wreckage, the opponent Frame Unit¡¯s severed head rolled across the arena floor, a stark testament to the final, decisive blow. Myrrh¡¯s Frame Unit stood tall amidst the chaos, its sleek, battle-worn silhouette gleaming under the arena¡¯s lights.


    ¡°N-No... It can¡¯t be...¡± The third-year support unit stammered, his voice trembling as he stared in disbelief at Myrrh¡¯s Frame Unit. Recognition dawned in his wide eyes. ¡°No wonder they look the same. She... she must be Mirana Alicent¡¯s daughter!¡±


    The referee¡¯s whistle cut through the roaring crowd, and the elegant emcee, Dianca, raised her microphone with dramatic flair. Her voice rang out, clear and triumphant. ¡°The winner of this match is Examinee Number 11!¡±


    The audience erupted once more, their cheers echoing through the vast arena as Myrrh¡¯s Frame Unit began its transformation. The levitating platform I stood on slowly descended, and Myrrh emerged from the metallic shell, returning to her humanoid form with practiced ease. She strode forward, her movements effortlessly graceful, her long lime-blonde hair cascading behind her like a shimmering waterfall as she flicked it with casual confidence, every step exuding the poise of a beauty queen.


    Then her eyes¡ªthose radiant blue eyes¡ªfound mine. A blush dusted her cheeks as a sweet, bashful smile bloomed on her lips. Raising her hand with a playful air, she waited for a high five. ¡°Good job!¡± she said, her voice bright and melodic.


    ¡°You too,¡± I replied, matching her smile as our hands met in a satisfying clap.


    We turned and walked toward the backstage, leaving our dumbfounded opponents behind, still frozen amidst the ruins of their defeat. As we walked, Myrrh¡¯s voice bubbled with excitement.


    ¡°I was so worried you¡¯d equip the wrong weapon during that millisecond time lag!¡± she said, laughing lightly.


    ¡°And I was just as worried you¡¯d use the weapon wrong because of my unpredictability,¡± I scoffed, though the corner of my mouth curled in amusement.


    Myrrh giggled, the sound light and infectious, like a princess sharing a private joke. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because we have such a high compatibility rate. Honestly, it feels like I know exactly how your brain works, and I think you know how mine does too. It¡¯s like... we¡¯re telepaths.¡±


    Her laughter carried a warmth that made my heart stutter. My cheeks grew hot as I glanced away, trying¡ªand failing¡ªnot to let her see the blush spreading across my face.


    ¡°I just followed your rhythm, you know,¡± I said, keeping my tone light. ¡°That Plan A Combo Weapon of yours worked pretty well, but we should start thinking about other strategies¡ªlike a Plan B Combo or even Plan C.¡±


    ¡°Still, you¡¯re amazing, Zaft.¡± Myrrh¡¯s voice was soft yet full of admiration as she patted my shoulder. "I''m so glad that you did it the first time!"


    ¡°That¡¯s rare for you to praise me,¡± I replied with a smirk, feeling a flicker of pride. Without thinking, I reached out and patted her head. Her lime-green hair was as soft as it looked, and she didn¡¯t pull away. ¡°You¡¯re getting pretty good yourself.¡±


    The playful moment hung between us, warm and unspoken, until a shift in the atmosphere caught our attention. We both looked up to see them¡ªa silver-haired girl with striking golden eyes and her tall, slender partner whose cold demeanor radiated an unsettling air. Michelle and Aurelio. The third-year prodigies.


    Myrrh and I immediately straightened, our casual expressions replaced with serious gazes as the pair approached. Michelle¡¯s lips curled into a faint, almost disinterested smile.


    ¡°Congrats once again,¡± she said, her voice calm and steady. ¡°See you in the finals.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you too,¡± I replied, giving her a thumbs-up paired with a polite smile.


    The duo walked past us, their footsteps echoing down the corridor with a cold, calculated rhythm. There was something unnervingly deliberate about the way they moved, as if every step was a measured strike toward their next target. It was the kind of presence that made you instinctively brace yourself.


    Myrrh turned to glance at them one last time, her expression unreadable. Then, as if sensing my gaze, she looked at me.


    For a brief moment, we locked eyes. No words passed between us, yet we understood each other perfectly. Without hesitation, we broke into a sprint, racing toward the lounge as if the weight of the world were on our heels.


    There''s no way we''re going to miss the next fight.

 Chapter 58 - Worst-Case Scenario

    Chapter 58 - Worst-Case Scenario


    ¡°First!¡± Myrrh exclaimed, her voice brimming with triumph as she tapped on the glass wall of the waiting lounge. A smug grin spread across her face as she turned to me, clearly reveling in her victory.


    ¡°It¡¯s not a race. You¡¯re so immature,¡± I muttered, panting as I stepped into the lounge. Myrrh smirked, arching an eyebrow.


    ¡°Wow, look who¡¯s talking,¡± she quipped, rolling her eyes with exaggerated flair.


    The viewing lounge felt emptier than before, a quiet hush hanging in the air. Most of the examinees had already been eliminated, their hopes dashed in earlier rounds. Now, the few remaining were either competitors gearing up for the final fights or spectators like Cindy and Remuel, who lounged comfortably, their expressions absorbed in the action unfolding on the wide screens. Unlike those who rushed to the coliseum for an up-close view of the tournament¡¯s climax, the lounge offered a more relaxed vantage point¡ªperfect for soaking in the drama without the crowds.


    On the central screen, the match I had been waiting for finally began. Michelle, a third-year, faced off against Aurelio in a battle that seemed larger than life. Michelle¡¯s Frame Unit gleamed like polished silver, the red circuits etched across its surface glowing like veins filled with fire. Opposite her, the opponent WAIFU is wearing a black Frame Unit reinforced with deep blue armor, its bulk exuding raw power.


    What truly captivated me, though, was Michelle¡¯s Frame Unit. It had crescent-shaped wings that shimmered faintly, their edges catching the light like blades of moonlight. Attached to them were eight diamond-shaped devices, giving the appearance of radiant, celestial plumage.


    Suddenly, the diamonds scattered in a synchronized flurry, each levitating in the air as though animated by their own will. Within moments, beams of concentrated light erupted from the devices, streaking through the battlefield in brilliant arcs.


    ¡°Are those¡­ the drones you were talking about?¡± Myrrh asked, leaning closer to Cindy with wide, curious eyes.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Cindy replied with a slow nod, her gaze locked onto the screen. Her tone was quiet but tinged with awe. ¡°And look at her partner.¡±


    I shifted my focus to Aurelio, who stood poised on a floating platform like a conductor commanding an orchestra. His left arm glowed with pulsing red circuits, the light ebbing and flowing in rhythm with his movements. In his right hand, a cybernetic control ring spun with precision, glowing faintly as if alive. A holographic HUD hovered in front of his face, displaying a split-screen view of his eight drones, each screen offering a unique perspective from their positions on the battlefield.


    Aurelio¡¯s eyes darted across the holograms, sharp and unrelenting, like a predator tracking its prey. There was something almost inhuman about the way he moved, his focus so intense it felt as though he was born to command these machines. Each flicker of his gaze carried a purpose, and each subtle movement of his hand sent the drones into flawless motion.


    The drones whirred through the air, their sleek forms zipping in erratic patterns. They unleashed bursts of searing lasers, pausing only for a heartbeat before relocating to fire again. Their movements were chaotic yet synchronized, a perfect blend of unpredictability and unity. It was mesmerizing to watch, as though the drones were extensions of Aurelio himself, executing his commands with unerring precision.


    It took just ten seconds for the tide of the battle to turn. One of the lasers struck the opponent¡¯s Frame Unit, melting through the right mechanical leg with a sizzle that echoed through the arena. The damaged Frame Unit stumbled, its movements sluggish as it struggled to regain balance. Though it managed to block a few incoming blasts, three more drones capitalized on the opening, striking the shoulder, midriff, and finally the head.


    The final shot obliterated the opponent¡¯s Frame Unit¡¯s head in an explosion of shattered metal, fragments scattering like embers in the wind. A sharp whistle pierced the air, signaling the end of the match.


    ¡°The winner for this match is Examinee Number 1! They will advance to the final round of the Licensure Examination Tournament!¡± Emcee Dianca¡¯s voice rang out, her tone filled with excitement as the announcement echoed through the venue.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    The crowd erupted in cheers, their excitement echoing even within the viewing lounge. While most here weren¡¯t as loud, their impressed smiles and knowing nods conveyed respect for the unmatched prowess of the Number 1 third-year students from Orbital Tech Applied Kinetics University. Their dominance wasn¡¯t a surprise¡ªit was expected.


    As the fight concluded, Myrrh turned to me. Her blue eyes, usually filled with her trademark confidence, now shimmered with determination tinged with uncertainty. Despite her inner worry, she offered me a brave smile.


    ¡°I¡¯m worried we might face them in the final round,¡± Myrrh admitted, her voice quieter than usual. ¡°You said there¡¯s a high chance, right? Honestly... I don¡¯t think I can beat her.¡±


    I mustered my best courageous grin, trying to mask my own doubts. ¡°What¡¯s this? What happened to your arrogant attitude that thinks everything is just a basic skill?¡±


    ¡°Don''t misunderstand me, Zaft. I still think we will win,¡± Myrrh replied firmly, shaking her head. Her lips curled into a smile that held a glimmer of her usual bravado. ¡°Even if Michelle beats me, I know for sure you can take down Aurelio.¡±


    That caught me off guard. It was unlike Myrrh to say something so earnest. Normally, she¡¯d boast about her own skills while throwing in a jab to knock me down a peg. Seeing her like this¡ªvulnerable, even¡ªwas new to me. Yet, beneath her hesitation, I could sense she believed in me, perhaps even more than I believed in myself.


    We¡¯d come so far, from bitter rivals in high school to steadfast partners now. We weren¡¯t just competing as individuals anymore; we were a team, a WAIFU and support unit working in unison. If Myrrh was putting her faith in me, then I¡¯d do everything to ensure I wouldn¡¯t let her down.


    ¡°If I can activate the WMD Series, I¡¯ll use Shadow Curtain first to make you invulnerable,¡± I said, laying out my strategy. ¡°While you charge at her, I¡¯ll equip the Uranium Blade and¡ª¡±


    ¡°Stupid goon!¡± Myrrh interrupted, flicking my forehead with a sharp snap.


    ¡°Ouch!¡± I yelped, rubbing the spot while she laughed.


    ¡°If you keep relying on those Weapons of Mass Destruction, you¡¯ll definitely blow your cover,¡± Myrrh said sharply, her voice laced with both concern and scolding. ¡°It¡¯s bad enough that the higher years are already suspecting something¡¯s up with you. Now you¡¯re planning to let the whole world know you can spawn nukes and conceptual weapons that don¡¯t even exist?¡±


    Her words hit hard, but before I could respond, she crossed her arms¡ªwell, mostly hugged them against her chest¡ªand raised her index finger, striking a commanding pose. Her bosom shifted slightly with the motion, but her steely gaze kept me focused.


    ¡°What do you want me to do, then?¡± I asked, exhaling in frustration.


    ¡°I have another plan,¡± Myrrh announced confidently, her finger pointing toward the ceiling as if she¡¯d had a sudden stroke of genius. ¡°At the start of the match, we maximize defense. Do you know the Testudo Formation?¡±


    The Testudo Formation. A tactic from ancient Rome, also known as the Roman Tortoise. It was a shield wall formation, used to protect soldiers from arrows and projectiles. Myrrh was suggesting we replicate that strategy, using Light Shields to block the drones¡¯ relentless laser attacks.


    ¡°That might work,¡± I admitted, nodding thoughtfully. ¡°But what about offense? We can¡¯t win on defense alone.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll handle that,¡± Myrrh said with a playful wink, her confidence shining through. ¡°You just focus on defense, okay?¡±


    I let out a sigh, partly out of doubt and partly out of relief. The way Myrrh spoke, with such certainty, was always reassuring. Her charisma and beauty had a way of lifting my spirits, even in moments like this. But beyond her words, I knew our plan still felt fragile¡ªhalf-formed and riddled with risk.


    Still, what choice did I have? Myrrh had a knack for pulling through in the clutch. If she had something in mind, I¡¯d just have to trust her.


    Another whistle pierced the air, signaling the conclusion of yet another match. The screen above the lounge updated with the results, and from the murmurs around me, it was clear¡ªthis had been the final fight of the fourth round.


    ¡°We will now proceed to the final round of the Licensure Examination Tournament, baby!¡± Emcee Miles announced, her voice reverberating with excitement across the arena.


    The jumbotron flickered to life, numbers shuffling rapidly as the remaining examinees held their breath. There were only a few of us left, and the tension in the air was almost tangible. Finally, the screen froze, revealing the matchup for the final round.


    [Examinee Number 1 vs Examinee Number 11]


    It felt like a punch to the gut. The worst-case scenario had come true. Myrrh¡¯s face and mine were displayed alongside Michelle and Aurelio¡¯s. I couldn¡¯t help but cringe at my own image on the screen¡ªa flushed, awkward snapshot taken when I was caught off guard during registration, back when Cindy made a clown of my face and Fei tried to melt my skin with hydrogen peroxide. My face was as red as a clown¡¯s nose, making me embarrassingly easy to spot.


    Before the weight of the moment could fully settle, Remuel and Cindy stepped forward, their presence a small but comforting anchor.


    ¡°Break a leg out there,¡± Remuel said, giving us each a firm pat on the shoulder.


    ¡°Good luck!¡± Cindy added with a warm smile, her voice steady with encouragement.


    Myrrh and I exchanged glances, managing small but resolute smiles. Their support meant a lot, even if it couldn¡¯t change the monumental challenge ahead.


    Together, we turned and left the lounge, stepping into the hallway that led to the preparation area. The final battle awaited us, and with it, the culmination of everything we¡¯d worked for.

 Chapter 59 - Testudo Formation

    Chapter 59 - Testudo Formation


    As we descended the wide, metallic stairs leading into the arena, the roar of the crowd echoed off the high domed ceiling, filling the air with palpable tension. My gaze fell on our final opponents for this Licensure Examination Tournament.


    Even from a distance, Michelle Gehabich stood out like a beacon. Her slight smile radiated calm confidence, her golden eyes locking onto mine as if she could see through every layer of resolve I¡¯d built. Long, wavy silver hair cascaded behind her, catching the arena lights with an almost ethereal shimmer, bouncing in rhythm with her steps.


    Trailing a few paces behind her was her partner, Aurelio Monsieur. His towering frame loomed with an aura of stoic indifference, his chiseled features locked in a stony, impenetrable expression. Where Michelle¡¯s energy was graceful and magnetic, Aurelio¡¯s presence was cold and intimidating, like the sharp edge of a blade held just out of reach.


    ¡°Oh! What¡¯s this?¡± Emcee Miles leaned forward on his desk, his voice crackling through the arena speakers. ¡°Is that who I think it is? Yes, it¡¯s Michelle Gehabich! The Number 1 Dean¡¯s Lister of the Third Years! With her flawless academic record since her first year and her partner Aurelio Monsieur¡ªboth S-tier students¡ªit¡¯s no wonder they¡¯re seen as the ultimate pair! Let¡¯s not forget, they claimed the first and second spots in the written examinations! Although it¡¯s curious why they waited until their third year at Orbital Tech to take this exam, one thing is clear: they are certified champions in the making, baby!¡±


    ¡°But hold on!¡± Emcee Dianca¡¯s voice chimed in, cutting through the buzz. ¡°Let¡¯s not underestimate their opponents! Representing the first years, we have another Dean¡¯s Lister, Myrrh Alicent, the daughter of the legendary heroine Mirana Alicent! She¡¯s not just riding on her family name¡ªMyrrh has consistently aced every exam so far, and her partner, Zaft Callahan, is no slouch either!¡±


    ¡°Oh, you mean that guy?¡± Miles¡¯ tone shifted to one of mockery, his sharp words slicing through the excitement. ¡°The one standing next to the daughter of the heroine? Are you sure he¡¯s not just coasting on her legacy? I mean, look at him¡ªhe¡¯s got ¡®low-level hoodlum¡¯ written all over him, baby!¡±


    My fists clenched instinctively at the insult, my eyebrows twitching as I fought to keep my composure. Who does this guy think he is? It took everything not to shoot back some choice words of my own. Before I could even react, Dianca leapt to my defense.


    ¡°Hey, hey! Let¡¯s give credit where it¡¯s due! That so-called ¡®hoodlum¡¯ standing beside the daughter of a legend actually placed Fourth in the written exam¡ªand as a first year, no less!¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Emcee Miles snapped, his voice echoing through the arena, eliciting a wave of laughter and gasps from the audience. "Don''t joke on me, Dianca baby! For real?"


    ¡°It¡¯s true!¡± Emcee Dianca shot back, her tone fiery with conviction.


    The back-and-forth between the two emcees, raw and unfiltered, seemed almost designed to stir the crowd further. Their open biases spilled through their live mics, broadcasting their vulgar thoughts for everyone to hear. Yet, the palpable tension they fueled only heightened the stakes, setting the perfect stage for this fifth and final battle.


    I shifted my focus to Michelle and Aurelio. Michelle¡¯s lips curled into a faint, almost mechanical smile, her golden eyes holding an unreadable expression. It wasn¡¯t joy or excitement¡ªjust a subtle acknowledgment of the moment. Aurelio, in stark contrast, remained statuesque, his icy glare piercing through the noise as though the world beyond this fight didn¡¯t matter.


    ¡°May the best examinees win,¡± Michelle said softly, her gaze fixed on me. Her voice was calm and poised, but there was a sharp edge beneath her words.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± I replied with a nod, forcing a grin that felt lighter than the heaviness pounding in my chest. My heart raced¡ªnot from the idea of a cute senior addressing me directly, but from the electrifying anticipation of the battle that was about to begin.


    Without another word, Aurelio and I stepped onto our levitating platforms. The familiar hum of the anti-gravity mechanisms filled the air as the platforms ascended, granting us a commanding view of the arena below. The expanse of the battlefield glimmered with faintly glowing grids, a canvas waiting to be filled with the chaos of combat.


    Myrrh and Michelle stood at the ready, their morphers gripped tightly in their hands. My gaze briefly flicked to Michelle¡¯s morpher¡ªa sleek, silver device streaked with vibrant red lines that seemed to pulse faintly, like veins carrying power. It was a sharp contrast to Myrrh¡¯s own, its blue accents a reflection of her vibrant energy.


    ¡°Final Round!¡± Emcee Miles bellowed, his voice rising above the hum of machinery and the crowd¡¯s restless murmurs. ¡°Examinee Number 1 versus Examinee Number 11! Let the battle begin, baby!¡±


    The moment those words left his lips, the arena erupted into cheers. A surge of adrenaline rushed through me as I tightened my grip, my mind clearing of all distractions. The fight was here. It was time to give everything I had.


    As soon as the sharp whistle pierced the air, both WAIFUs raised their morphers high, their voices ringing in perfect unison:


    ¡°Frame Unit, Awaken!¡±


    In an instant, towering pillars of light engulfed them, bathing the arena in a radiant glow. Myrrh¡¯s form was encased in a brilliant white and gold shell, her transformation blooming like a mechanical phoenix. Michelle, on the other hand, emerged from her cocoon of silver light, her Frame Unit gleaming with crimson armor plates and intricate, pulsating circuits that seemed alive with power.


    Without hesitation, both Frame Units ignited their boosters. The air crackled with energy as their metallic legs burned trails of fire, propelling them toward each other at breakneck speed. The impact was thunderous.


    A deafening metal clank reverberated across the arena, followed by a shockwave that rippled through the air, sending a gust of wind into the audience. Myrrh¡¯s arm had collided with Michelle¡¯s in a brutal clash of strength. Though a small dent marred Myrrh¡¯s gold-plated armor, it seemed minor, nothing worth panicking over¡ªyet.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    But what happened next sent a chill down my spine.


    Aurelio¡¯s sharp fingers danced over his WEEB System with precision. His left arm glowed with crimson circuits, and his voice echoed with command:


    ¡°Chaos Drones, Equip!¡±


    From the silver Frame Unit¡¯s back, a cybernetic circle materialized, its edges shimmering like a digital sun. The circle unfurled into crescent-shaped wings, eight sleek, docked drones glinting ominously along their edges. With a powerful whoosh, Michelle¡¯s Frame Unit ascended, the glowing wings giving her an almost angelic¡ªyet menacing¡ªpresence above the battlefield.


    And Aurelio wasn¡¯t done. His eyes narrowed as he activated his WEEB System once more.


    ¡°Beam Gatling, Equip!¡±


    A colossal machine gun barrel materialized on Michelle¡¯s right arm, its surface glowing faintly with green circuitry. Without hesitation, she unleashed a torrent of green laser fire. The arena lit up like a storm of starlight, the beams cascading toward Myrrh with relentless fury. Each laser crackled as it sliced through the air, scattering sparks where they struck Myrrh¡¯s armor.


    My heart lurched. I knew I had to act, and fast. My fingers raced to my own WEEB System. The interface lit up under my touch, its soft hum grounding me amidst the chaos.


    ¡°Light Shield, Equip! Times two!¡± I shouted, thrusting my glowing hand forward, its circuits pulsing with vivid blue energy.


    Two shimmering cybernetic circles materialized on either side of Myrrh, spinning like ethereal gears. In a fluid motion, Myrrh reached out and equipped the shields that emerged from the circles, their translucent surfaces glowing faintly with a protective aura.


    The relentless barrage from Michelle¡¯s Beam Gatling rained down like a neon storm, each green laser streaking through the air with a sharp hiss. Myrrh raised her shields, the glowing barriers absorbing the onslaught. Sparks erupted as beams connected with the shields, leaving faint scorch marks on their radiant surfaces, but they held firm.


    I narrowed my eyes, analyzing the attack. Despite the ferocity of the barrage, something felt off. The lasers lacked the devastating punch of a full-powered weapon. I quickly realized the truth¡ªMichelle¡¯s Beam Gatling was designed for speed, not strength. Each shot was only a fraction as powerful as a standard beam rifle. The shields I¡¯d provided were more than enough to weather the storm.


    ¡°So this is why she suggested the Roman tortoise tactic,¡± I muttered under my breath, the faintest smirk curling at my lips.


    But the reprieve was short-lived.


    Michelle shifted tactics, and I felt the shift in the air¡ªa subtle but undeniable escalation. The eight drones docked on her crescent wings detached with a sharp metallic whir, hovering momentarily before spreading out in an intricate formation.


    Aurelio¡¯s WEEB System pulsed, his sharp, deliberate movements controlling the Chaos Drones like an extension of his will. They began to circle Myrrh, weaving through the air like predatory birds. Then the first lasers struck, streaking toward her from all angles.


    Myrrh¡¯s shields snapped into position, one blocking a shot from the rear, the other intercepting a blast from the side. Sparks flew with each deflection, her movements sharp and precise, her instincts honed to near perfection.


    The drones didn¡¯t relent. Aurelio adjusted their positions constantly, his control seamless and relentless. One drone zipped behind Myrrh, attempting a sneak attack, only for her to whirl around just in time, shield raised to block. Another drone darted to her left, firing rapidly, but Myrrh¡¯s reactions were too quick, her other shield meeting the attack with a resounding clash of light and energy.


    The chaos was mounting. Lasers crisscrossed the battlefield in blinding patterns, forcing Myrrh to stay on high alert. Every movement, every block, was a calculated response to an unending assault. My stomach tightened as I watched, knowing that Aurelio wasn¡¯t just testing her defenses¡ªhe was searching for the tiniest crack, the slightest lapse in her concentration.


    The relentless barrage of lasers continued, each streaking toward Myrrh with precision and speed. She moved with disciplined agility, her light shields intercepting every strike. Still, the pressure was unrelenting, and a single laser managed to graze her metallic left cheek, leaving a faint, glowing scar across the surface. It wasn¡¯t critical, but it was a reminder of the razor-thin margin for error in this battle.


    Myrrh¡¯s Testudo Formation was holding, just as she had planned. The strategy gave her the defensive edge, but it also left her hands full, her focus consumed by blocking the chaos of Aurelio¡¯s drones. We needed a way to turn the tide and go on the offensive.


    My gaze flicked to my WEEB System, hoping the WMD series¡ªour trump card¡ªwould unlock soon. This was shaping into a battle of attrition, one we couldn¡¯t afford to lose.


    Across the battlefield, Aurelio stood with an icy calm, his eyes sharp and calculating. I could see the gears turning in his head as he activated his WEEB System once again. His hand glowed with crimson circuits, the air around him crackling with energy.


    ¡°Beam Buster Cannon, Equip!¡±


    A cybernetic circle manifested before Michelle¡¯s Frame Unit, pulsating with a crimson glow. Without hesitation, she released her Beam Gatling, letting it fall to the ground with a heavy thud, and reached for the weapon materializing before her. The crowd gasped as the massive, twenty-meter-long Buster Cannon took shape, its size dwarfing her Frame Unit¡¯s sleek form.


    Michelle raised the weapon, her movements precise and methodical. The cannon gleamed with an ominous light, its barrel aimed squarely at Myrrh, who was still preoccupied with the ceaseless drone fire.


    ¡°Eliminating the target,¡± Michelle intoned, her voice devoid of emotion as her finger tightened on the trigger.


    The cannon roared to life with a deafening boom that shook the arena. The recoil was immense, forcing Michelle¡¯s Frame Unit to skid backward, her crescent wings flaring to stabilize her. A blinding surge of energy erupted from the cannon, a massive beam tearing through the air toward Myrrh.


    ¡°Now!¡± Myrrh¡¯s voice rang out, powerful and commanding, cutting through the chaos like a blade.


    I had already activated Myrrh¡¯s [Ultimate] the moment she shifted into defense, waiting for the perfect opportunity to unleash it. When her voice echoed across the battlefield¡ªsharp and unwavering¡ªit was the cue I had been anticipating.


    ¡°Blade Wing, Activate!¡± I commanded, pointing my glowing hand toward her.


    The response was immediate. A colossal explosion erupted at the center of the arena, shaking the very ground beneath us. A shockwave tore through the battlefield, scattering debris and sending up a dense cloud of smoke and dust that obscured everything from view. The crowd gasped, murmurs of uncertainty rippling through the stands as they strained to make sense of the chaos.


    When the dust began to settle, the devastation became clear. A massive crater now scarred the arena floor, its edges jagged and raw. Shards of the shattered light shields littered the battlefield like pieces of broken glass, catching the flickering light of the arena¡¯s spotlights.


    But of Myrrh, there was no trace.


    Confusion spread through the crowd, their voices a mix of concern and intrigue. Some leaned forward, others craned their necks, searching for any sign of her. Then, amidst the quiet tension, a child¡¯s voice pierced the air:


    ¡°Look up!¡±


    All eyes turned skyward, and there she was¡ªMyrrh Alicent, soaring high above the battlefield in resplendent glory.


    Her Frame Unit had transformed into something awe-inspiring, almost divine. Brilliant, sword-like wings extended from her back, each blade shimmering with radiant light and trailing streaks of golden energy as they shifted and adjusted like feathers. Her armor, once battered and defensive, now gleamed with renewed brilliance, radiating an aura of unyielding power.


    The spectators erupted into cheers and gasps of astonishment, the energy in the arena reaching a fever pitch. Myrrh hovered like a celestial warrior, her wings slicing through the air with an audible hum, each movement smooth and elegant.


    The battle was far from over. It had only just begun.

 Chapter 60 - I’m Sorry, Myrrh

    Chapter 60 - I¡¯m Sorry, Myrrh


    The enemy drones unleashed a relentless barrage of lasers, their bright crimson beams slicing through the clouds in an unyielding attempt to strike Myrrh.


    Myrrh soared through the skies, her blade-like wings cutting through the air with a sharp, metallic sheen. With breathtaking agility, she executed acrobatic spins, hairpin turns, and erratic zigzags, each movement leaving streaks of glowing blue contrails that painted a vivid abstract against the backdrop of the sky. The lasers chased her every move, their crackling hum growing dangerously close with each passing second.


    Despite her graceful maneuvers, I could see Myrrh struggling. Three laser beams had narrowly grazed her moments earlier, leaving faint scorch marks on the surface of her armor. Her breaths seemed labored, even from this distance, and the urgency in her movements betrayed her mounting fatigue.


    Below, Michelle stood firm, her eyes sharp as she cradled the massive beam buster cannon in her arms. She kept her distance, calculating each shot with ruthless precision. With a flick of her finger, the cannon discharged a radiant bolt of energy, its blinding light tearing through the air. The blast narrowly missed its mark, dissipating harmlessly into the vastness of the arena.


    Undeterred, Michelle adjusted her stance and fired again, the second blast colliding with the edge of the arena. The impact sent shards of debris spiraling upward and birthed a cloud of thick, gray smoke. The shimmering barrier encasing the arena absorbed the brunt of the explosion, sparing the spectators from the chaos and noise.


    ¡°You¡¯re good,¡± Michelle muttered under her breath, her tone calm but laced with menace. ¡°But long-range combat is my domain.¡± Her lips curled into a confident smirk as she leveled the cannon once more, its hum signaling another deadly shot.


    This time, the beam streaked perilously close to Myrrh, brushing past her with an intensity that rippled the air. The resulting shockwave sent her tumbling, her once-fluid movements faltering. For a moment, my heart leapt as she spiraled downward, on the verge of crashing. But at the last possible second, she flared her sword-like wings, their sharp edges slicing through the air as she regained control and soared back into the skies.


    ¡°I can¡¯t get close!¡± Myrrh¡¯s voice rang out, tinged with frustration and desperation. She twisted and turned, her every move an effort to evade the unyielding lasers of the drones. Her form darted between ascents and descents, a frantic dance against the storm of enemy fire. ¡°Zaft, help!¡±


    Myrrh was under relentless pressure from the swarm of drones, their rapid movements and pinpoint lasers forcing her into a corner. Their sheer numbers created an overwhelming advantage, and it was clear that as long as they remained airborne, we were fighting a losing battle. This was the moment where everything could unravel. We needed a plan¡ªand fast.


    ¡°Myrrh, destroy the drones with your Blade Wing! I''ll take care of Aurelio!¡± I shouted, my voice cutting through the chaos.


    ¡°Roger!¡± Myrrh responded without hesitation, her determination evident. She detached two gleaming blades from her Blade Wing, each one glowing faintly as it caught the light, and launched herself toward the nearest drone. ¡°Yaaaaah!¡±


    Her strike was swift and precise. The blade sliced cleanly through the drone¡¯s metallic body, sending it erupting into a shower of sparks and debris. Without pausing, she locked onto her next target and surged forward with unrelenting ferocity.


    On the sidelines, Aurelio stiffened. His eyes flicked to the shifting battlefield, and I saw realization dawn on him. He must have pieced together our strategy: eliminate his drones one by one and dismantle his aerial advantage. Wasting no time, Aurelio encoded an order to his drones, commanding them into a tighter, more defensive formation.


    ¡°Yaaah!¡± Myrrh cried again as she closed in on her second target. But just as her blade was about to connect, a laser beam lanced upward from below, a searing line of energy aimed directly at her.


    The beam struck her mechanical right leg with brutal precision. The explosion was instantaneous, the force of the blast tearing through the intricate machinery and leaving a smoldering trail of sparks and debris in its wake.


    ¡°Gah!¡± Myrrh gasped, the shock evident in her voice as the force sent her spiraling off course.


    For a moment, I feared she wouldn¡¯t recover. But Myrrh¡¯s resilience shone through. With a powerful beat of her remaining Blade Wing, she regained control, stabilizing herself in midair. Her eyes locked onto the nearest drone, and with a determined swipe of her blade, she cleaved it cleanly in two. The drone erupted in a fiery burst, its wreckage raining down like shrapnel.


    ¡°Two down!¡± Myrrh called out, her voice brimming with determination. ¡°Six to go!¡±


    I clenched my fists, my mind racing. Aurelio wasn¡¯t going to let us pick off his drones so easily. He had already devised a counter-strategy¡ªone designed to lure Myrrh into a trap. Each drone she destroyed would leave her more exposed until he could land a decisive blow on her Frame Unit¡¯s head. It was a clever plan, but I had something better.


    ¡°Proceed to the next drone!¡± I shouted as the WEEB System on my left arm pulsed with electric-blue energy, circuits glowing like veins of light. ¡°Jetpack, equip!¡±


    In an instant, a crimson jetpack materialized on Myrrh¡¯s back, merging seamlessly with her Blade Wings. The combined propulsion sent her hurtling forward at double her usual speed, her form cutting through the air like a missile. With a single fluid motion, she raised one of her gleaming blades and sliced through another drone, which exploded into a shower of sparks and shrapnel.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    ¡°Five more!¡± Myrrh yelled, her confidence shining through. But before she could press her attack, a torrent of laser beams erupted from all directions, forming an inescapable web of deadly light around her. Myrrh froze mid-flight, trapped by the relentless barrage.


    ¡°What the¡ª?¡± she gasped, her voice tinged with alarm.


    ¡°This ends now,¡± Michelle declared from below. Her voice was calm, yet menacing, as she steadied her Beam Buster Cannon, the weapon¡¯s barrel glowing ominously. Without hesitation, she pulled the trigger, unleashing a radiant blast that roared toward Myrrh.


    My heart pounded as I shouted, ¡°Light Shield, equip!¡± With a flash of blue light, a glowing cybernetic circle materialized on Myrrh¡¯s left arm, instantly spawning a shimmering shield. The Beam Buster¡¯s blast collided with the barrier, the impact reverberating through the arena. Though the shield held, the force was devastating¡ªit tore Myrrh¡¯s mechanical left arm clean off, leaving sparks and fragments scattering through the air.


    But that was the opening we needed. Aurelio¡¯s drones, tightly clustered to guard one another, were momentarily disoriented by the chaos. Myrrh¡¯s eyes locked onto Michelle, her target clear.


    Following the residual light trails of the Beam Buster, Myrrh surged forward with unmatched ferocity. Her jetpack blazed, its output cranked to the limit. Flames licked at her Frame Unit as the engines overheated, but she didn¡¯t waver. Just as she reached the breaking point, Myrrh ejected the jetpack mid-flight, the force propelling her at breakneck speed toward Michelle.


    ¡°Yaaaaaah!¡± Myrrh¡¯s battle cry echoed through the air as she descended upon Michelle with a swift, precise slash of her sword. The blade cut cleanly through the Beam Buster Cannon, severing it into two smoking halves. The weapon erupted in a fiery explosion, sending shards of metal and circuitry scattering in all directions.


    Michelle staggered backward from the force of the blast, a sharp gasp escaping her lips. ¡°Ghh!¡± she cried out as she lost her footing and crashed to the ground, her form skidding across the scorched arena floor.


    But Myrrh wasn¡¯t about to let up. ¡°I¡¯m not done with you!¡± she roared, her voice brimming with determination. She twisted midair with a graceful yet ferocious spin, her sword catching the sunlight and glinting like liquid fire. With all her strength, she brought the blade down in a devastating arc, aiming to end the fight in one final blow.


    Before the strike could land, Aurelio sprang into action. He abandoned the controls of his drones, his hands now glowing with crimson energy as his WEEB System roared to life. Circuit-like patterns pulsed down his arms, their glow a sinister contrast to the chaos around him.


    ¡°Beam Katana X2, equip!¡± Aurelio bellowed.


    In an instant, two katanas materialized in Michelle¡¯s hands, their edges shimmering with vibrant red lasers. As Myrrh¡¯s sword descended, Michelle crossed the dual blades into an X-shaped defensive stance. The clash sent out a brilliant shower of sparks, each one flaring like miniature stars in the heated air.


    The force of their collision echoed through the arena as both fighters strained against one another, neither willing to yield. The tension was palpable, their movements a battle of strength and will.


    ¡°Ghhh! Just go down already!¡± Myrrh shouted, her voice trembling with both anger and exhaustion as she pushed harder against the glowing blades.


    ¡°I¡¯m amazed,¡± Michelle said, her cybernetic voice laced with a mocking amusement that only fueled the tension. The faint mechanical undertone carried an unsettling chill. ¡°You¡¯re the first one who¡¯s ever forced me to use my swords.¡±


    Yet Myrrh wasn¡¯t done. With a final, desperate flap of her remaining blade wing, she regained her balance midair. Her determination burned brighter than ever as she twisted her body, her blade poised for a finishing strike. The sunlight caught the edge of her sword, making it glint like a falling star as she aimed directly at Michelle¡¯s metallic head.


    ¡°Raaaaah!¡± Myrrh¡¯s battle cry reverberated through the arena, a sound of pure, unrelenting resolve.


    Michelle, however, was far from defenseless. With the fluidity of a seasoned warrior, she raised one of her Beam Katanas, the crimson edge humming with lethal energy. She positioned herself for a counterattack, her weapon angled to sever Myrrh¡¯s metallic head before the strike could land.


    Time seemed to slow as the moment of impact drew near. My perception sharpened, every detail etched into my mind like a vivid painting. I could see the faint flicker in Michelle¡¯s stance, the microscopic edge that told me her counter would land first. Her skill, honed through years of combat experience, was undeniable.


    A sad smile curved my lips. I whispered the words under my breath, barely audible even to myself. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Myrrh.¡±


    Suddenly, a surge of raw power coursed through my left hand, its intensity unlike anything I¡¯d felt before. Crimson circuits blazed to life, the energy radiating like a storm. The HUD of my WEEB System shifted, the calm blue interface replaced by a sinister red glow. The words on the screen burned into my vision: [Weapon of Mass Destruction Series].


    ¡°Particle Accelerator, activate,¡± I whispered, my voice steady despite the chaos.


    In less than a heartbeat, Myrrh¡¯s Frame Unit was enveloped in a radiant pinkish-crimson glow, the energy pulsing like a heartbeat around her battered form. The arena seemed to hold its breath as Michelle¡¯s Beam Katana closed in on Myrrh¡¯s mechanical head, the edge humming with lethal intent.


    But then, the impossible happened. Michelle¡¯s blade sliced through empty air.


    ¡°W-What!?¡± Michelle¡¯s voice wavered, the confidence in her cybernetic tone replaced by confusion.


    What she struck wasn¡¯t Myrrh but her afterimage, a fading mirage left behind in the wake of her teleportation. The real Myrrh had reappeared behind her opponent, her frame glowing with residual energy from the Particle Accelerator. Without hesitation, Myrrh raised her blade, its edge gleaming with a deadly finality.


    With a single, precise stroke, Myrrh executed the finishing blow. Her sword cleaved cleanly through Michelle¡¯s Frame Unit, severing its head in a smooth arc. The metallic head fell to the ground with a resonant clang, rolling a few feet before coming to a stop.


    For a moment, the arena was shrouded in silence. Even the hum of the drones seemed to fade as Michelle¡¯s headless Frame Unit staggered, then dropped to its knees. The lights in her frame flickered before fading completely, leaving her powered-down husk slumped in defeat.


    Opposite her, Myrrh¡¯s Frame Unit collapsed to one knee, her body trembling from exhaustion. The glow of the Particle Accelerator had vanished, revealing the extensive damage across her armor. She looked like a warrior who had given everything, standing victorious against impossible odds.


    The stillness was finally broken by the voice of emcee Dianca, her excitement echoing through the arena¡¯s speakers. ¡°The winner of this final round is Examinee Number 11! Congratulations to Myrrh Alicent and Zaft Callahan for passing the Licensure Examination Tournament!¡±


    The crowd erupted in a deafening cheer, their applause and shouts reverberating through the arena. Fans waved banners, and confetti cannons launched bursts of shimmering paper into the air. The once-tense battlefield was now filled with the roaring celebration of victory.


    Amid the chaos, I couldn¡¯t help but smile as I looked at Myrrh¡¯s battered form. She had done it. We had done it.

 Chapter 61 - Deserved License

    Chapter 61 - Deserved License


    I felt like I had just claimed the gold medal at the Olympics. The air was electric, alive with cheers that reverberated across the massive arena. Multicolored confetti rained down like a kaleidoscope of victory, sticking to our hair and outfits as Myrrh and I ascended the stage.


    Beside us stood two other pairs, all of us grinning in triumph after achieving an unbroken streak of five wins out of five matches. The moment was surreal, made even more official as we were handed our licenses amidst a flurry of applause. Cameras flashed as an emcee with a confident, honeyed voice, Dianca, announced:


    ¡°Let us all welcome the examinees who triumphed in this year¡¯s Licensure Examination Tournament!¡±


    The crowd erupted in another wave of celebratory noise. Cheers mixed with the satisfying crunch of confetti beneath our feet as we lined up for the photo session. While basking in the praise and the glittering chaos, I couldn¡¯t help but steal a glance at Myrrh. She was radiant¡ªher best smile plastered perfectly across her face. It wasn¡¯t just a smile; it was a masterpiece designed to command every camera lens. She had to be the most stunning girl in the room.


    But just as I started to marvel at her, I noticed her lips moving. Murmurs escaped, soft enough not to disturb the harmony of the moment, but loud enough for me to catch.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Myrrh asked, her pearly smile unwavering, her voice a sharp whisper just for me.


    ¡°M-Me? Oh, I¡¯m fine,¡± I stammered, forcing my own smile to stay intact. It probably looked ridiculous¡ªa toothy, dog-like grin fighting to mask my nerves. ¡°Are you¡­ angry at me?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Myrrh replied sweetly, though her smile faltered just a fraction.


    Then, in a move so subtle it wouldn¡¯t disturb the photos, she stepped down hard on my foot.


    ¡°I¡¯m furious,¡± she added, her voice a razor-edged whisper laced with venom.


    ¡°Ouch¡­¡± I hissed, feeling the sharp sting radiate from my foot. Still, I managed to keep my grin intact, even as beads of sweat betrayed my calm fa?ade. ¡°You know I had to do that. If I hadn¡¯t, you would¡¯ve been toast!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not about my pride or the thrill of winning. It¡¯s about your wellbeing. You exposed your powers again,¡± Myrrh murmured, her tone carrying the weight of concern despite its softness.


    ¡°It was just for a split second!¡± I protested, my voice rising as I shot her an indignant glare. In that moment, I didn¡¯t care if the photographers captured an unflattering angle of me.


    Myrrh¡¯s cheeks turned a shade of pink, and her lips pressed into an unsteady, squiggly line. Her furrowed brows framed the glimmer in her blue eyes, like a storm passing over a calm sea. ¡°Fine, fine,¡± she conceded, her voice tinged with a mix of exasperation and surrender.


    Before the moment could settle, Dianca bounded into view, her cyberpunk-inspired phone camera already aimed at us. The polished metal and glowing edges of the device glinted under the arena lights. Her wavy blue hair shimmered like liquid sapphire, bouncing with every step as her enthusiasm bubbled over.


    ¡°Myrrh! Zaft! Can I take a picture of you two?¡± Dianca asked, her excitement practically contagious.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Myrrh replied without hesitation, her voice bright and composed once more.


    We stepped close, elbows and shoulders brushing against each other. The warmth of her presence was oddly comforting, even in the middle of the bustling crowd. Myrrh raised her hand in a playful peace sign, so I followed suit. Together, we flashed matching grins, proudly holding up our shiny new licenses.


    ¡°Say cheese!¡± Dianca chirped, and the camera¡¯s shutter fired with a sharp, bright flash, immortalizing the moment.


    As the light dimmed, I caught Myrrh¡¯s whisper, soft enough that only I could hear. Her face was flushed, and she glanced away as if embarrassed by her own words. ¡°Thank you for saving me again,¡± she said, her gratitude wrapped in the tenderness of her blushing smile.


    ¡°What was that?¡± I asked, leaning in slightly with a teasing smirk tugging at the corners of my mouth.


    ¡°N-Nothing!¡± Myrrh stammered, her blush deepening as she shook her head, her lime-blonde long hair swaying with the movement.


    ¡°Come on, don¡¯t be shy,¡± I coaxed, my grin widening. ¡°You just thanked me, didn¡¯t you? I need to hear it again, loud and clear.¡±If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Myrrh stiffened, her face practically glowing red as she turned her head sharply away. ¡°I don¡¯t need to repeat myself if you already heard me the first time! Hmph!¡± she huffed, crossing her arms in a dramatic flourish that only made her look more adorable.


    I couldn¡¯t help it¡ªa chuckle escaped before I could rein it in. I smiled, keeping my laughter mostly to myself as I watched her pretend to be aloof. It was these little moments that I cherished. Myrrh always tried so hard to maintain her proud, headstrong demeanor, but I knew better. Beneath all that arrogance was a soft, sweet side she rarely let anyone see. And teasing it out of her? That was always the best part.


    ¡°You know,¡± I said, leaning in with a sly smirk. ¡°You remind me of a durian. Hard and spiky on the outside, but soft and sweet on the inside.¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s cheeks flared an even deeper shade of red, her flustered expression doing little to hide her indignation. ¡°And you,¡± she shot back, her voice sharp as a dagger, ¡°are like an onion. You¡¯ve got the outer layer of an asshole, and if you peel it away? Surprise! There are ten more layers of asshole underneath.¡±


    I chuckled, the corner of my mouth curling into a grin. ¡°And your mouth is just as foul as the smell of durian,¡± I added, my tone light and teasing.


    Her glare intensified, but I could see the faintest twitch of a smile creeping at the edge of her lips. Beneath all the banter, it was moments like these that made being around Myrrh so much fun.


    <><><>


    After the picture-taking session, we made our way to the backstage. The dim lighting cast long shadows along the narrow tunnel, creating an almost foreboding atmosphere. At the far end of the corridor stood a pair I would have preferred to avoid at all costs. Michelle and Aurelio. Their presence alone felt like a test I wasn¡¯t ready to face.


    Michelle¡¯s face lit up when she saw us, her confident smile cutting through the dimness.


    ¡°That was a good fight,¡± she said warmly, extending her hand in a gesture of respect.


    ¡°Hmph. That was just a basic skill,¡± Myrrh replied, flicking her long greenish blonde hair with an air of superiority. Her voice dripped with arrogance, her posture exuding defiance.


    I leaned closer to her, lowering my voice to a murmur. ¡°Hey, would it kill you to show some respect to our seniors for once?¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s cheeks flushed faintly, betraying her prideful exterior. With a reluctant sigh, she reached out and clasped Michelle¡¯s hand, shaking it briefly.


    ¡°Still,¡± Michelle said, tilting her head slightly as her sharp gaze zeroed in on us. ¡°That afterimage and teleportation... What was it?¡± Her eyes darted between Myrrh and me, searching for answers. ¡°It only appeared for a split second, just when I was about to behead your Frame Unit. What kind of trick was that?¡±


    I forced a smile, the kind that didn¡¯t quite reach my eyes. My thoughts scrambled for an explanation, but my mind drew a frustrating blank. I had already exhausted my bag of excuses, and there was no clever lie left to tell.


    From the corner of my eye, I noticed Myrrh glaring at me. Her blue eyes spoke volumes without uttering a word, silently screaming, ¡°I told you so!¡± If looks could kill, I would have been a pile of smoldering ashes right then and there.


    ¡°It was your ability, wasn¡¯t it?¡± Aurelio¡¯s voice cut through the tension like a blade. His tone was soft, almost a whisper, but it carried a weight that settled heavily in the air.


    I turned my gaze to Aurelio, his face as stoic and unyielding as ever. His sharp, emotionless eyes bore into me, radiating an aura of superiority that made me feel like an insignificant speck of dust under his scrutiny. But at least he was speaking to me now¡ªsmall victories, I suppose.


    ¡°I saw it,¡± Aurelio began, his voice calm but cutting, like the edge of a blade. ¡°Your left arm. It glowed with crimson circuits, the same way it did earlier today when you activated that storm-controlling weapon on your partner. From where I stand, it¡¯s clear you¡¯re just as clueless about it as we are. The difference is, you two are working hard to hide it.¡± He paused, his piercing gaze never leaving mine. ¡°I can smell it from miles away.¡±


    I glanced to my left, then to my right. The corridor was still empty, save for the four of us. Good thing Aurelio¡¯s voice was low¡ªno one else could eavesdrop on this little interrogation. Forcing a grin, I tilted my head and responded with a tone dripping in sarcasm. ¡°Wow, your nose must be incredible. Do you sniff out all the secrets, or just the really juicy ones?¡±


    Before Aurelio could respond, Myrrh stepped forward, her posture shifting into one of quiet defiance. Her presence was commanding, like an older sister stepping in to protect her younger sibling. She placed herself between me and Aurelio, her blue eyes sparking with indignation.


    ¡°So?¡± Myrrh said, her voice sharp and unwavering. ¡°Are you trying to imply we cheated in the fight? That you should have won instead?¡±


    ¡°No, not really,¡± Michelle replied, her smile soft but knowing. ¡°You¡¯re not as unusual as you think, Zaft. Here in Xyraxis, there are plenty of people with quirks. Take Aurelio, for instance.¡± She gestured toward her partner. ¡°He has cybernetic implants in his brain that quadruple its random-access memory. It gives him the ability to multitask on a level most people can¡¯t even dream of¡ªlike controlling eight drones simultaneously.¡±


    ¡°Huh,¡± I muttered, casting a curious glance at Aurelio. He didn¡¯t look like he had any cyberpunk enhancements; there were no glowing circuits or sleek metallic plating on display. But that only made it cooler. His brain had been modified under the surface, a hidden marvel. The thought of it sparked a twinge of envy. Maybe I could get implants like that one day¡ªimagine playing online games straight inside my head. Now that would be awesome.


    Michelle¡¯s voice snapped me back to reality. ¡°So don¡¯t fret, Zaft. You¡¯re not alone in this. And honestly? I commend you. Taking fourth place in the written exams and then going on to win against all those upperclassmen? That¡¯s no small feat.¡± She shifted her attention to Myrrh and bowed slightly, a gesture of respect. ¡°And you as well, Miss Alicent. The odds were stacked against you, but you earned that victory.¡±


    Aurelio, ever composed, spoke next. ¡°You deserve that license,¡± he said in his usual cold, measured tone. With that, he turned his back and began walking away, his footsteps echoing faintly in the dim corridor.


    ¡°See you when we see you!¡± Michelle added, her cheerful wave standing in stark contrast to her partner¡¯s stoic departure. The pair disappeared into the shadows at the far edge of the tunnel, their figures swallowed by the encroaching darkness.

 Chapter 62 - Beer Mugs and Smugs

    Chapter 62 - Beer Mugs and Smugs


    Since Myrrh and I clinched victory in the Licensure Examination Tournament, I¡¯m honoring my promise to treat our circle of friends to dinner. But this isn¡¯t just any dinner¡ªit¡¯s a feast to remember.


    We now stand before a shimmering karaoke establishment, its fa?ade a chaotic tapestry of neon lights in every color imaginable. Fluorescent signs flicker and pulse, casting a kaleidoscope of hues on the bustling crowd.


    The air buzzes with life as adults stream in and out, their laughter blending with the arcade beeps and synthesized jingles that echo from inside. It¡¯s six in the evening¡ªnot yet the peak hour¡ªbut the place is already alive with energy.


    ¡°Ta-da!¡± Neil and Fei announced with matching grins, gesturing toward the lively venue. ¡°Welcome to Xyraxis Karaoke!¡±


    ¡°Wooow!¡± Dianca clapped her hands in delight, her eyes sparkling. ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted to come here! They say it¡¯s super fancy and costs a fortune!¡±


    ¡°That better not be true,¡± I muttered, already fishing out my wallet. Inside, a neat stack of bills and coins reflected the fruits of my past month¡¯s scrimping, along with my freshly withdrawn allowance.


    ¡°Wow, you¡¯re really prepared for this, Zaft!¡± Remuel said with an impressed grin, leaning in to peek at my stash.


    ¡°Come on, Mister Topnotcher,¡± Cindy teased, elbowing my side with a smirk. ¡°Don¡¯t be a cheapskate!¡±


    ¡°Relax, Zaft!¡± Neil chimed in with his usual enthusiasm, giving me a thumbs-up. ¡°We¡¯ve got your back. The fries and beer here are bottomless, and they serve street food from all over the world. It¡¯ll be worth every cent!¡±


    ¡°Yes! And it has over five hundred five-star reviews! Look!¡± Fei exclaimed, shoving her phone in front of my face. The glowing screen proudly displayed Xyraxis Karaoke¡¯s 4.9-star rating, along with a bold banner announcing an enticing ten percent discount on their all-you-can-eat offer for tonight.


    I squinted at the screen, narrowing my focus on the fine print beneath the flashy ads. My gaze slid down to the karaoke box prices. Even with the discount, the cost still loomed like a silent predator, ready to pounce on my wallet. Feeding seven people wasn¡¯t going to be cheap. After a deep breath and a mental farewell to my savings, I finally surrendered.


    ¡°Fine,¡± I muttered with a resigned sigh, already mourning the crisp bills I¡¯d so carefully hoarded.


    ¡°Great! I¡¯ll reserve us a room!¡± Fei practically bounced with excitement as she snatched the cash from my hand and dashed off toward the counter, her long black ponytail swaying behind her.


    A gentle pinch on my elbow drew my attention. Turning to my left, I found Myrrh standing there, her smile strained with a hint of guilt. She clasped her hands together in mock prayer. ¡°I¡¯m sorry... I¡¯m kind of short right now, so thanks for saving my butt. I swear I¡¯ll pay you back¡ªon our third date.¡±


    I shot her a sideways glance, letting the corner of my lips twitch into a smirk. ¡°That third date better cost at least half of what I¡¯m spending here,¡± I said, my voice laced with mock severity.


    ¡°Geez, you¡¯re so stingy!¡± Myrrh puffed out her cheeks in an exaggerated pout, crossing her arms like a sulking child.


    <><><>


    After ten minutes of eager anticipation, we finally secured our private karaoke room. The space was cozy yet vibrant, with colorful LED lights lining the ceiling and a plush semicircular couch that wrapped around a sleek, glass table.


    At the center of the table stood a barrel-shaped jug of beer with an automated tap that refilled glasses as if by magic. Beside it sat a towering bucket of fries, each piece dusted with an assortment of seasonings¡ªcheddar, barbecue, sour cream, and more. To mix things up, I had also ordered mozzarella sticks that oozed cheese, tender wagyu cubes that practically melted in your mouth, crispy panipuri filled with tangy chutney, and even fried balut for the adventurous eaters.


    While most of us dove straight into the food, Dianca had other plans. She grabbed the microphone with a sparkle in her eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯ve always dreamed of singing karaoke with friends,¡± she said softly, her lips brushing the mic like she was addressing an audience of thousands.


    ¡°Please, be our guest and start the music,¡± I replied, gesturing toward the screen with a playful bow.


    Dianca grinned mischievously and raised the mic high. ¡°This first song is a special dedication to our esteemed champions¡ªMister Zaft Callahan and Miss Myrrh Alicent! Congratulations on your incredible win in the tournament!¡±


    She lifted her glass dramatically, prompting the rest of us to follow suit. ¡°To Zaft and Myrrh!¡±


    ¡°To Zaft and Myrrh!¡± we echoed, our voices clinking together like the beer glasses raised high above our heads.


    And so, the festivities began. Myrrh and I couldn¡¯t get enough of the crispy fries and perfectly seared wagyu cubes, while Fei devoured the fried balut with unrestrained enthusiasm. Remuel and Cindy were obsessed with the panipuri, their laughter punctuated by bursts of delight each time they bit into the crunchy shells.


    Neil, however, focused solely on the beer, guzzling glass after glass with reckless abandon¡ªdespite having been discharged from the hospital mere hours ago.


    Dianca took center stage for most of the night, alternating between sipping her drink, nibbling on mozzarella sticks, and belting out song after song. Her voice carried a surprising warmth that filled the room and set the mood for our celebration.


    When Dianca finally passed the mic, Fei stepped up to serenade us with a soft, romantic ballad, her voice lilting like a gentle breeze. Remuel followed, unleashing an intense death metal performance that left his vocal cords shredded and all of us in stitches. Then it was my turn.


    I went for a classic slow rock song, my voice wavering through the lyrics. Let¡¯s just say singing isn¡¯t my strong suit, and my lack of practice was painfully obvious. I would¡¯ve been content with my attempt, but Myrrh wasn¡¯t about to let me off the hook.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    ¡°What the hell, Zaft? You¡¯re such an oldie!¡± Myrrh slurred, her cheeks flushed from a mix of tipsiness and mockery. Her blue eyes sparkled mischievously as she leaned toward me, the teasing smile on her lips impossible to ignore.


    ¡°Fine then, Miss Mary Sue,¡± I shot back with a smirk, holding out the microphone to her. ¡°Let¡¯s see you do better. Show me what you¡¯ve got.¡±


    With a dramatic flourish, Myrrh snatched the mic, her wavy hair swishing as she stood up. She scrolled through the song selection, her lips quirking into a confident grin before settling on a pop hit with notoriously challenging high notes. The music started, and all eyes turned to her.


    The moment she began singing, the room fell silent, save for the upbeat track and Myrrh¡¯s voice soaring over it. Her performance was electrifying¡ªeffortless control, precision, and those high notes? She nailed them without breaking a sweat. It wasn¡¯t entirely a surprise to me; I¡¯d heard her sing once before during our first year in high school. But still, watching her command the room like this was something else.


    When the final note faded, the room erupted in applause.


    ¡°That was incredible, Myrrh!¡± Fei clapped enthusiastically, her excitement spilling over.


    ¡°You¡¯d make a fantastic idol!¡± Dianca chimed in, practically bouncing in her seat as she clapped along.


    Neil raised his glass with a lopsided grin. ¡°You really are a Mary Sue!¡±


    ¡°Hmph!¡± Myrrh flicked her blone-green long hair over her shoulder, her face still flushed but now from pride rather than alcohol. ¡°It¡¯s just a basic skill,¡± she said with a mockingly sassy tone, waving off the praise like it was no big deal.


    ¡°Enough of your arrogance. I¡¯m pretty sure Dianca can beat your score,¡± I teased, my words slurring slightly as the alcohol began to muddle my head.


    Myrrh¡¯s eyebrows twitched, her blue eyes narrowing into fiery slits. ¡°I knew it! You really like Dianca, don¡¯t you?!¡± she snapped, her voice tinged with an accusatory edge.


    ¡°Huh!?¡± I gawked at her, almost choking on my drink. ¡°Are you seriously jealous again?¡±


    ¡°N-No! Hic!¡± Myrrh¡¯s protest was cut off by an involuntary hiccup, her flushed cheeks deepening to a shade that rivaled her dress. She spun on her heel, pointing her mic dramatically at Dianca, who was slumped lazily against the couch, her eyelids heavy from the alcohol¡¯s effect. ¡°Dianca Fritz! I challenge you to a duel of songs!¡±


    Dianca blinked, her hazy eyes widening slightly. Then, with a grin and a yawn, she reached for the spare microphone sitting next to the karaoke screen. ¡°Oh, so you want a duet? Fine by me!¡± she said, her voice light and airy as she swayed to her feet.


    The room buzzed with anticipation as the two divas faced off, the karaoke screen lighting up with the first song. Myrrh stood tall, radiating sass and determination, while Dianca, more relaxed but no less confident, took a deep breath and steadied herself.


    The music started, and the battle began. Even as they munched on fries and sipped their drinks, their voices rang out with surprising clarity. The alcohol might have dulled their senses, but their vocal skills were untouched. High notes soared, harmonies intertwined, and the room filled with applause after every verse.


    When the song ended, the karaoke machine chimed with the results. A tie.


    ¡°Again!¡± Myrrh cried, her competitive streak flaring as she clenched her fists.


    The second song was queued up, and then the third. With every note they hit, every lyric they belted, the room seemed to come alive with energy. The fries and wagyu cubes dwindled, the beer flowed freely, and the tension between the two singers grew. Yet no matter how passionately they sang, the scores refused to budge.


    By the fifth round, their voices were beginning to crack, and their movements were sluggish. Myrrh¡¯s hair had come undone, strands of her greenish golden hair sticking to her damp forehead, while Dianca leaned heavily on the mic stand, her usual composure replaced with drunken giggles.


    Finally, with one last wobbly note, both of them dropped their mics onto the table, collapsing onto the couch like exhausted warriors after a hard-fought battle. Their flushed faces, messy hair, and tired grins were a testament to their shared determination¡ªand perhaps their shared stubbornness.


    ¡°This will go on forever, Myrrh! We need a tie-breaker!¡± Dianca shouted, her cheeks blazing red, her voice carrying the slight slur of someone both frustrated and very drunk.


    ¡°Fine!¡± Myrrh snapped, puffing out her chest like a defiant rooster. ¡°How about a contest of our chests?¡±


    Dianca froze, her wide eyes darting to Myrrh¡¯s proudly displayed assets before glancing down at her own modest frame. ¡°That¡¯s not fair!¡± she wailed, puffing her cheeks in protest. ¡°There¡¯s no way my oranges can beat your melons!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not about size!¡± Myrrh declared with drunken determination, jabbing a finger at the air. ¡°It¡¯s a contest of softness! Whoever has the softer chest wins!¡±


    Dianca¡¯s pout deepened, her lips forming a tiny ¡°o¡± as she processed Myrrh¡¯s ridiculous proposal. ¡°Fine!¡± she huffed, crossing her arms before pointing dramatically at me. ¡°Zaft will be the judge since he already dipped his face onto mine this morning!¡±


    ¡°Wait, you noticed!?¡± I blurted out, my jaw nearly unhinging. Even through the haze of alcohol, guilt hit me like a brick as I recalled the awkward collision earlier that morning.


    Dianca threw her arms wide open, her eyes half-lidded as she beckoned me with exaggerated flair. ¡°Come here, Zaft! Time to eat your breakfast again!¡±


    ¡°What the fu¡ªwoah!¡±


    Before I could finish protesting, Myrrh¡¯s well-aimed kick sent me stumbling straight into Dianca. My face landed squarely against her chest, triggering an instant replay of the morning incident. But this time, the fragrant floral scent I¡¯d noticed earlier had faded, replaced by a lingering trace of beer and snacks. What hadn¡¯t changed, though, was the undeniable softness pressed against my face.


    ¡°So, Zaft,¡± Dianca cooed, wrapping her arms around me with a mischievous grin. ¡°How is it? Enjoying yourself?¡±


    ¡°It¡­ It¡¯s nice,¡± I mumbled, my voice muffled and tinged with mortification. ¡°But, uh¡­ since I need to set a benchmark, I can¡¯t give you a perfect score. So¡­ nine out of ten.¡±


    ¡°Great!¡± Dianca exclaimed, a devilish grin spreading across her face. Without missing a beat, she gave me a firm shove, sending me stumbling backward¡ªstraight toward Myrrh.


    ¡°Wah!¡± I yelped as I lost my balance.


    My crash landing was cushioned by something soft and undeniably bouncy. Myrrh¡¯s arms instinctively wrapped around my head, pressing me firmly into her chest. A sweet, alluring scent filled my nose¡ªa delicate, floral fragrance that lingered like freshly spritzed perfume. It didn¡¯t take long to realize she must have sprayed it right onto her cleavage.


    To make matters worse¡ªor better, depending on how you looked at it¡ªMyrrh began gently stroking my head, her fingers weaving through my hair. Her seductive voice rang out, low and teasing. ¡°So, Zaft¡­ how about mine?¡±


    ¡°I-It¡¯s softer,¡± I mumbled, my voice muffled against her chest. My cheeks were burning, my heart racing. ¡°I¡¯ll¡­ give it¡­ a ten out of ten.¡±


    A triumphant glint sparked in Myrrh¡¯s eyes. She leaned closer, her lips curling into a satisfied smile. ¡°I knew it. You really can¡¯t resist my hot body, can you?¡± she cooed, her voice dripping with playful charm.


    ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± I admitted weakly, surrendering to the alcohol-fueled haze. The warmth of her embrace, coupled with the softness pressing against my face, was enough to short-circuit my rationality. Without thinking, I wrapped my arms around her in a tight hug, letting out a muffled, contented sigh. ¡°Mmmm, this is so delightful. Feels like my birthday¡­¡±


    ¡°Feast on, my stupid troublemaker,¡± Myrrh whispered, tightening her hug as if to seal her victory.


    But before I could fully sink into the blissful warmth, a loud, wailing cry cut through the room.


    ¡°Waaaah! Zaft likes Myrrh¡¯s breasts more! I lost!¡± Dianca sobbed, covering her face with her hands. Her shoulders shook as she cried dramatically, her voice rising with each hiccup. ¡°Huhu! This isn¡¯t fair!¡±


    While Dianca drowned her sorrows in mug after mug of beer, Myrrh turned to her, a smug grin plastered across her face. ¡°Victory is mine,¡± she said, her voice filled with playful arrogance as she patted my head like a prized possession.


    Dianca slammed down her empty beer mug with a pout. ¡°Just you wait, Myrrh! Next time, I¡¯ll win with brains, not boobs! Wait, I forgot that I''m an airhead! There''s no way I can beat Myrrh! Fuuuuck!¡±


    That''s the first time I''ve ever heard Dianca swear, and it''s actually kind of cute. Her image as a pure, innocent girl has now been ruined by just a few beer mugs and smug remarks.

 Chapter 63 - Clingy Myrrh

    Chapter 63 - Clingy Myrrh


    How long has it been? Thirty minutes? An hour? I couldn¡¯t tell anymore. The haze of alcohol was starting to lift from me¡ªmaybe because of the ridiculous ¡°booby-softness contest¡± earlier, or the sheer number of restroom trips I¡¯d taken to cool myself down. But the real culprit was likely the girl glued to my side. Myrrh¡¯s unrelenting clinginess had turned every beer within reach into an unattainable luxury.


    The room around us felt like a kaleidoscope of chaos. Dianca sat slumped in a karaoke-induced coma, clutching two mics like trophies, which explained the lull in music.


    Across the table, Remuel and Neil were locked in a heated debate about Earth¡¯s politics, passionately throwing around words like ¡°communism¡± and ¡°capitalism¡± as if they were solving the universe¡¯s problems.


    Cindy, her reddish-orange wild and untamed face, was clearly past her limit but still defiantly downing mug after mug of beer. Meanwhile, Fei, ever-determined, fought an uphill battle against the seemingly endless supply of bottomless fries, her black afro bouncing as she chomped away with exaggerated focus.


    And then there was Myrrh.


    Her arms clung tightly to my left one, her head nestled against my shoulder like we were an inseparable pair. The warmth of her body seeped into mine, and the sweet, faint scent of her greenish blonde hair tickled my nose.


    We probably looked like a couple, the way her flushed cheeks rested so close to mine, the dazed look in her striking blue eyes locking with mine every so often. Those eyes¡ªclouded, dreamy, and framed by long lashes¡ªlingered just long enough to send a jolt of heat through me. And her lips¡ªsoft, pink, and slightly parted¡ªseemed to dare me to lean in, to bridge the gap between us.


    As if things weren¡¯t already bad enough, my left arm was hopelessly sandwiched between the soft weight of her breasts. The heat of her body, her breath so close to my neck, and the involuntary pressure of her curves made my heart pound like a drum. My body reacted in ways I wished it wouldn¡¯t, a telltale ache growing uncomfortably beneath the table.


    I needed an escape.


    ¡°Myrrh¡­¡± I shifted slightly, trying to free my arm, but her grip tightened like a vice. She let out a groggy, discontented groan, nuzzling closer to me.


    ¡°Uh, Myrrh,¡± I tried again, forcing a strained smile despite the rising tension in me. ¡°I need to go to the restroom.¡±


    "Again? This is your fifth trip to the restroom, hic!" Myrrh groaned, her words slurring as she clung to me like a lost kitten. "Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re hiding a woman in one of those cubicles!"


    "The hell?" I muttered, raising an eyebrow as I stared at her flushed, slightly pouty face. "What kind of twisted soap opera are you imagining? And, honestly, why would that even be your business?"


    Myrrh puffed out her cheeks, her lips curling into an exaggerated pout that only made her look more endearing. Finally, with a melodramatic huff, she let go of my arm and crossed hers over her chest. "Hmph! Fine then! Go to Michelle! Leave me, just like how Ephraim left me for that junkie bitch!"


    I froze, momentarily stunned by her outburst. Slowly, I mouthed, What the fuck?¡ªcareful not to let the words escape audibly. Her sudden dive into this "dere" side of hers was catching me off guard, and though it was admittedly adorable, the sheer emotional whiplash left me scrambling for an appropriate response.


    For reasons I couldn¡¯t fully comprehend, I didn¡¯t want her to feel jealous¡ªespecially not over some imaginary woman in a bathroom stall. Acting on instinct, I reached out and lightly patted her head.


    "Ah~!" Myrrh let out an unexpectedly loud, suggestive moan, her voice echoing in the room like a warning siren for misunderstandings. Heads might¡¯ve turned if the rest of our companions weren¡¯t too far gone in their own drunken chaos.


    I pulled my hand back quickly, my face heating up like I¡¯d accidentally touched a hot stove. "I¡¯ll be back, okay?" I said, forcing a smile to cover my embarrassment.


    "Okay!" she chirped, her mood shifting with whiplash-inducing speed. Her smile was wide and genuine, her blue eyes sparkling like nothing in the world had ever upset her.


    The moment I stood, Myrrh wasted no time sprawling across the sofa where I¡¯d been sitting, curling into the warm spot I¡¯d left behind as if to claim it. For the first time that evening, I felt a shred of freedom. I took a deep breath, adjusted my jacket, and made my way out of the karaoke room.


    The hallway outside was quieter, dimly lit by the faint glow of neon lights filtering in through frosted windows. As I walked toward the restroom, I let out a sigh I hadn¡¯t realized I¡¯d been holding. Myrrh¡¯s drunken antics were a rollercoaster ride, and I was barely hanging on.


    I¡¯d leaked a lot. As usual, my tolerance for alcohol was a double-edged sword¡ªI could get drunk easily, but the tipsiness never lasted long. My fast metabolism burned through it like a furnace, giving me the stamina to outlast most in long drinking sessions.


    After finishing my business, I zipped up and glanced at my watch. Eleven o¡¯clock. Late, but manageable. Tomorrow is Sunday, which means nobody cares if we end up wasted tonight.


    The drowsiness crept in as I walked to the sink, my reflection looking just as weary as I felt. A splash of cold water would do the trick. I cupped my hands, let the icy liquid jolt my senses awake, and repeated the process. By the second splash, I felt a little more alive¡ªbut the face I saw in the mirror beside me made my stomach drop.


    A shock of reddish-orange hair, familiar as a bad habit, greeted me.


    ¡°What the hell are you doing here?¡± I asked, turning toward her with a frown.


    ¡°Oh, Zaft,¡± Cindy said casually, taking the sink next to me. She cupped her hands and splashed cold water onto her face with the nonchalance of someone who wasn¡¯t supposed to be here. ¡°You and Myrrh were really lovey-dovey tonight, huh? I even heard she got jealous over a bunch of girls back at the tournament. Honestly, you two should just get a room and get married already.¡±Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    ¡°Shut up, Cindy. You¡¯re drunk,¡± I muttered, trying to keep my voice steady.


    ¡°I am not drunk!¡± she declared, puffing out her chest indignantly as if sheer willpower could override the slur in her words.


    ¡°Then what are you doing in the male lavatory?¡± I shot back, my voice rising slightly in disbelief.


    ¡°This is the female lavatory, you perverted idiot!¡± Cindy snapped, jabbing her finger at me like she was calling me out in front of a jury.


    For a second, doubt crept in. Had I stumbled into the wrong bathroom? No, that couldn¡¯t be right. I glanced around, taking stock of my surroundings. The tiled walls, the unmistakable row of urinals along one side¡ªyep, this was definitely the male lavatory.


    ¡°Cindy,¡± I said slowly, barely restraining a laugh. ¡°Look around. There are urinals here.¡±


    Cindy froze, her wide eyes darting toward the wall of incriminating evidence. For a moment, her brain seemed to short-circuit. Then, with the confidence only someone thoroughly drunk could muster, she crossed her arms and declared, ¡°Well, maybe you men should stop putting urinals in our lavatories!¡±


    I stared at her, caught between exasperation and amusement. Cindy¡¯s logic was as solid as jelly.


    ¡°You¡¯re unbelievable,¡± I muttered, shaking my head.


    ¡°And you¡¯re still a pervert,¡± she countered, sticking her tongue out before splashing her face with water again, as if that solved everything.


    And then, all of a sudden, this idiotic friend of mine made a scandal.


    "Aaah! Pervert!" Cindy shrieked, her voice reverberating off the restroom walls like an alarm.


    ¡°Shush!¡± I hissed, quickly covering her mouth with my hand. ¡°You¡¯re the one who wandered in here! Let¡¯s just get you back to our friends before this turns into a full-blown scene.¡±


    Cindy glared at me for a moment before slapping my hand away. She staggered to the sink, her face pale and clammy, and I realized too late what was about to happen.


    With a heave, Cindy puked into the sink, the sound making me cringe as I took a step back. She stayed hunched over for a few moments, groaning softly, before straightening up with the sluggishness of someone who had just run a marathon in their head.


    ¡°You good?¡± I asked cautiously.


    She gave a small, exhausted nod, her eyes half-lidded and unfocused. Without waiting for her to keel over, I grabbed her wrist and guided her out of the male restroom, keeping her upright as we made our way back to the karaoke rooms.


    Once we reached her group, I helped her settle into a seat, grabbing a glass of water and placing it in front of her. ¡°Drink this. Slowly,¡± I instructed, earning a weak grunt in response.


    Finally free of babysitting duty, I returned to my room, only to be met with Myrrh¡¯s icy glare. She was still sitting where I¡¯d left her, arms crossed over her chest, lips pursed in a pout, and eyes as sharp as daggers. If looks could kill, I¡¯d be six feet under.


    ¡°There you are!¡± she snapped. ¡°I knew you had another woman! And it¡¯s Cindy!¡±


    I stared at her, dumbfounded. ¡°What¡ªno! Definitely not!¡± I raised my hands in defense. ¡°I just helped her because she drank too much and¡ª¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Myrrh interrupted, her entire demeanor shifting in an instant. Her pout melted into a soft smile, and she tilted her head slightly, her greenish blonde messy hair swaying as she giggled. ¡°I believe you!¡±


    The rapid switch from jealousy to blind trust was so disarming, I felt my shoulders slump in disbelief. Myrrh¡¯s blue eyes sparkled with genuine innocence, her cheeks flushed from alcohol, and her adorably naive expression reminded me just how gullible she was when drunk.


    Man, this girl could go from lethal to lovable in two seconds flat.


    Myrrh patted the empty spot on the sofa beside her, her expectant gaze making it impossible to refuse. I sighed inwardly, knowing exactly where this was heading, and obediently took my seat. No sooner had I sat down than she clung to me again, wrapping herself around my arm like a vine.


    Now that the alcohol¡¯s haze had fully worn off, I was acutely aware of everything. Myrrh¡¯s warmth pressed against me, her soft, curvy figure practically melting into my side. My left arm was nestled against her chest, the sensation of her supple figure sending a bolt of electricity through me.


    Before I could process the situation, Myrrh grabbed another mug of beer and took a long gulp, her cheeks flushing an even deeper red. As she set the mug down with an exaggerated sigh, she escalated things further¡ªlifting my hand and tucking it against her bare thighs.


    The softness of her skin was impossible to ignore, the warmth radiating through my palm making my heart pound in my chest. My hand was only centimeters from the hem of her skirt, dangerously close to the forbidden zone.


    ¡°Myrrh¡­¡± I murmured, forcing myself to look at her face instead of letting my gaze wander where it shouldn¡¯t.


    She turned her head toward me, her blue eyes shimmering with a mix of vulnerability and drunken courage. ¡°Zaft¡­¡± she whispered, her voice soft and trembling. Her face had grown even redder, and the way her lips quivered made her look impossibly cute¡ªalmost irresistible.


    But I couldn¡¯t let this continue. My conscience screamed at me to put a stop to it. No matter how tempting this moment was, I¡¯d never forgive myself for taking advantage of her in this state.


    I forced a grin, hoping to diffuse the tension. ¡°Aren¡¯t you being a little¡­ touchy?¡±


    Her expression faltered, her bottom lip trembling as her gaze dropped. ¡°Do you hate me that much?¡± she asked softly, her voice laced with hurt. ¡°You don¡¯t want me to spoil you?¡±


    Her words hit me like a ton of bricks. The vulnerability in her tone, the slight quiver in her voice¡ªit was enough to stir something deep inside me. She wasn¡¯t just being drunk and playful; there was something raw and honest in her question, and it made my chest tighten.


    ¡°I-It¡¯s not like that,¡± I stammered, turning away to avoid her piercing gaze. I scratched my cheek awkwardly, struggling to keep my thoughts straight. ¡°I mean, you¡¯re clearly drunk. You might end up doing something you¡¯ll regret later.¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s pout deepened, her blue eyes narrowing with a stubborn determination. ¡°I¡¯m just being honest with my feelings,¡± she replied, her voice steady despite the alcohol¡¯s influence. ¡°I¡¯m not some idiot who spouts nonsense when I¡¯m drunk. Don¡¯t compare me to that buffoon.¡±


    She jabbed her finger in the direction of Neil, who was now standing precariously on top of the table like a victorious gladiator. His tie was loosened, his hair was a disheveled mess, and his glassy eyes screamed too much beer.


    ¡°I have superpowers!¡± Neil bellowed, raising a mic triumphantly, one he must¡¯ve snatched from the slumbering Dianca. ¡°That illness you saw from me? It¡¯s not a curse! It¡¯s a gift! A gift! I wield the power of the Cosmic Tree, and I can delete this reality! Wooooo!¡±


    ¡°Woooooo!¡± came the drunken chorus from Remuel, Fei, and Cindy, their voices slurred and full of misplaced enthusiasm.


    Myrrh sighed, clearly unimpressed as she leaned closer to me, resting her head against my shoulder with a huff. ¡°See? That¡¯s the kind of drunk nonsense I¡¯m not talking about,¡± she muttered, her voice tinged with irritation.


    I glanced around the room, taking stock of the chaos unfolding. Dianca was still passed out, the mic she had hoarded earlier lying forgotten by her side. Remuel and Cindy had taken to banging their mugs together, spilling beer everywhere in a show of camaraderie. Fei, meanwhile, seemed to be attempting some kind of interpretive dance, her movements dangerously close to knocking over the table.


    It was clear that everyone was far gone.


    I let out a long, resigned sigh, gently patting Myrrh¡¯s head. ¡°Yeah, okay. I think it¡¯s time to wrap this up.¡± Reluctantly, I disentangled myself from her clingy embrace and stood up. ¡°Stay here, Myrrh. I¡¯ll go get the server and stop the endless beer train before we all end up in the hospital¡ªor worse.¡±


    She blinked up at me, her cheeks still flushed, but nodded obediently. ¡°Hurry back, Zaft¡­¡±


    I turned toward the door, weaving through the sea of drunken chaos with a single thought in mind: get everyone home safe and sound before this karaoke session turned into a full-blown disaster.

 Chapter 64 - Sick of Love

    Chapter 64 - Sick of Love


    Nobody has ever brought up what happened on that karaoke night. It was as if we all silently agreed to bury it in the depths of our collective embarrassment. By Sunday, our group chat had become a ghost town¡ªno jokes, no memes, not even a simple "good morning."


    Maybe we were all too mortified to bring it up. Or maybe the upcoming exams had stolen what little energy we had left, leaving us buried under notes and textbooks.


    The next week was midterms¡ªa dreaded period of gloom and monotony. Written examinations filled the days with endless scribbling, erasures, and the rhythmic tapping of pens against desks. The usual energy of Orbital Tech was snuffed out; even the livelier students had succumbed to the weight of academia. Mornings were met with groggy faces as students shuffled to school like programmed drones.


    Afternoons were spent huddled in the library, forming study groups that whispered and scribbled away like conspirators. Even Neil and Remuel, who were rarely known for taking school seriously, had straightened up and buried their noses in books.


    Nothing exciting happened that week. Nothing at all.


    Well, maybe except for the last day of exams. Neil, who was usually the first to crack jokes or slack off during study sessions, was strangely absent from our group in the library that day. I''d also noticed he made a beeline for home right after our History exam, looking uncharacteristically pale and distant.


    "Where''s Neil?" Dianca asked, her brows furrowing as she flipped through her notes.


    "Um, he said he wasn''t feeling well," Fei answered nervously, her fingers tangling in her long black hair. "Something about his stomach acting up."


    "Let''s hope he catches up on the readings on his own," Remuel said, shrugging nonchalantly as he adjusted his glasses. Note: Remuel only wore those glasses just to look smart, but he''s still dumb as a brick.


    And that was that. Our study session carried on, as uneventful as the week itself. Nothing noteworthy. Just the quiet murmur of voices, the scratching of pens on paper, and the occasional yawn breaking the silence.


    But then, at around ten that evening, just when I''d finally given my frazzled brain a break with some funny racist videos, something peculiar happened. Neil left our group chat. No warning, no explanation. Just gone.


    The chat, already quiet from a week of exam stress, seemed even emptier without him. I scrolled through our previous conversations, noticing the mundane chatter from earlier that day: Myrrh setting up the study session venue so Dianca could join us, a few jokes sprinkled here and there. But now? Only silence, and the strange, lingering question of why Neil left without a word.


    It was a mystery why Neil left the group chat so abruptly. My mind buzzed with curiosity, but before I could even process the situation further, my phone vibrated. It was Myrrh.


    Myrrh: Hey, have you checked up on Neil?


    Myrrh: Why did he leave our group chat?


    Her messages came in rapid succession, each one sharper than the last.


    Me: Beats me. I''ll try to contact him.


    Myrrh: I already sent him a message, but he just left it at "seen." The audacity of that lowlife!


    Myrrh: Do you know how many people would go head over heels just to beg me to send them a message? And here he is, not even bothering to reply!


    Myrrh: Anyway, you should check on Neil. Something feels off.


    I couldn''t help but smirk as I read her flurry of indignation. Myrrh''s blend of vanity and concern was oddly endearing, and it gave me an idea. A small prank wouldn''t hurt, right?


    I decided to leave her on "seen" just to mess with her. Setting my phone down on my pillow, I chuckled to myself. The mental image of her fuming at my silence was too good to pass up. With that, I grabbed a casual outfit, threw it on, and headed out of my room.


    Neil''s room wasn''t far, and the walk felt strangely quiet, the usual dorm chatter muffled by the weight of exams and exhaustion. When I reached his door, I noticed the faint glow of light filtering through the overhead window¡ªa clear sign he was still inside.


    I knocked three times, the sound echoing faintly in the quiet hallway.


    "Neil?" I called out, my voice firm but laced with concern. "Are you there?"


    For a moment, there was only silence¡ªa heavy, lingering stillness that seemed to stretch on for longer than it should. Just as I raised my hand to knock again, the door creaked open.


    Neil stood there, and the sight of him nearly made me take a step back. His rugged brown hair was an unkempt mess, sticking out in odd angles as though he''d been tossing and turning all night. His face was pale, almost ghostly, and the dark shadows under his eyes made him look like he hadn''t slept in days. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    For a split second, I remembered his condition¡ªhis mysterious illness, the one that caused crimson veins to glow faintly beneath his skin. But tonight, I saw no trace of those veins, only a hollow weariness etched into his expression.


    "Oh, Zaft." His voice was hoarse, barely above a whisper. He looked like a zombie forcing itself to appear alive, the corners of his mouth twitching in an attempt at a smile.


    "Neil, are you okay? Everyone''s worried about you," I asked, trying to keep my voice steady despite the unease bubbling in my chest.


    "Oh, I''m fine." He gave a weak, almost dismissive smile, but it was clear to anyone with eyes that he wasn''t. His shoulders slumped like he was carrying a weight far heavier than just exhaustion.


    "Should I call an ambulance?" I offered, my concern mounting as I studied his frail form.


    "No, seriously, I''m fine, Zaft," he scoffed weakly, patting my shoulder as if to reassure me. His hand was cold, his grip light. "I''ve just been feeling a little under the weather lately. But I promise, it''s not my... condition. Just plain old insomnia, that''s all."


    "Insomnia, huh?" I muttered, raising an eyebrow. "So, aside from the supposed stomachache, now you''re battling sleepless nights too? Maybe you shouldn''t have drunk so much last Saturday."


    Neil blinked, his brows furrowing in genuine confusion. "Stomachache? I didn''t have a stomachache. Who told you that?"


    His response caught me off guard, and I stood there for a moment, searching his face for answers. The unease I''d felt earlier was starting to morph into something else¡ªa quiet, gnawing suspicion.


    "Fei did," I said plainly. "She''s really worried about you."


    "Fei? Worried about me?" Neil let out a dry, sarcastic scoff, his lips curling in disbelief. "Really? Not in a million years."


    I didn''t like the way he sneered at her concern, the bitterness in his tone leaving a sour taste in the air. But I decided to let it slide. There was no point in arguing about it now. Instead, pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place in my mind. Fei and Neil had a lovers'' quarrel¡ªthat much was clear. Neil''s insomnia and strange behavior suddenly made sense. Fei''s lie about the stomachache was probably just her way of covering up the tension, sparing the rest of us from the awkwardness of their spat.


    "You guys had a fight, didn''t you?" I asked, keeping my voice calm but probing.


    Neil didn''t answer. His gaze shifted downward, and he bit his lip ever so slightly, a subtle yet telling gesture. He didn''t need to say a word¡ªI already had my confirmation.


    "Alright, I won''t press," I said with a shrug, deciding to leave it at that. I could always tease them both later, once the exams were over and things had settled down. I waved my hand casually. "Anyway, if you need anything¡ªanything at all¡ªjust give me a call, alright?"


    Neil''s expression softened for the first time that night. A small, genuine smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Alright. I''ll call if something comes up. Goodnight, Zaft."


    "Yeah, goodnight."


    The door clicked shut behind him, leaving me standing in the dimly lit hallway. I exhaled, relieved to see him smile even if only for a moment. Turning on my heel, I headed back to my room.


    As soon as I stepped inside, my phone lit up, vibrating furiously on my pillow. A flood of notifications filled the screen, all from the same person.


    As I entered my room, my phone was practically glowing with life, buzzing furiously on the pillow. Picking it up, I found an avalanche of messages¡ªall from Myrrh.


    Myrrh: Hey, why won''t you reply???


    Myrrh: Are you seriously leaving me at "seen"???


    Myrrh: How dare you, Zaft!!!


    Myrrh: Wait, did I say something to offend you? :''(


    Myrrh: Why aren''t you replying? Please don''t leave me at seen (???)?


    Myrrh: Please (?¨i?©n?¨i?)


    I let out a deep sigh, running a hand through my hair. Myrrh''s messages were a rollercoaster of indignation, worry, and dramatic pleading¡ªall classic Myrrh. With a resigned chuckle, I finally started typing.


    Me: I just went to Neil. He''s pretty sleepless, but he said he''s fine.


    Me: No signs of his mysterious sickness either. But he''s dealing with another kind of sickness.


    Her reply was almost instant, like she''d been waiting with her thumbs hovering over her keyboard.


    Myrrh: There you go! So, what is it???


    I smirked, taking my time before responding.


    Me: He''s kind of lovesick. Apparently, Fei and Neil had a quarrel, but I didn''t dig too deep.


    Her response came back almost as fast as the first.


    Myrrh: That''s not the meaning of lovesick, dumbass. It''s a lover''s spat.


    I couldn''t resist teasing her a little more.


    Me: I meant it like he''s sick of his love. Because they''re quarreling. Get it? lol.


    Me: ( ¨R?¨Q)


    For a moment, I stared at the screen, waiting for her reaction. The playful back-and-forth felt oddly comforting after the tense encounter with Neil.


    Myrrh: ( ¨C ? ¨C )


    Myrrh: Well, it''s normal for lovers to have a quarrel. Just give them some privacy and space, and their relationship will heal in no time.


    I raised an eyebrow at her sudden wisdom, fingers hovering over my keyboard as I typed out my response.


    Me: Did you and Ephraim quarrel a lot?


    A few seconds passed, and then her reply appeared.


    Myrrh: Not really, except during the last months of our relationship, when he started cheating with that ugly junkie Clarisse. Anyway, I don''t want to talk about it.


    Me: You just talked about it.


    Her reply was swift, almost like she was shutting the conversation down before it could go any further.


    Myrrh: I''m not here to debate, okay. We still have exams tomorrow, so let''s focus on that. Goodnight.


    Me: K.


    I sighed, tossing my phone onto the desk and letting the tension of the day melt away. My bed was calling me, promising a temporary escape from the puzzles and dramas that had cropped up. Just as I was about to lie down, my phone buzzed again.


    I groaned, expecting another barrage of messages from Myrrh, but when I glanced at the screen, my heart skipped a beat.


    It wasn''t Myrrh.


    It was Neil.


    For a moment, panic bubbled in my chest. Neil had said he''d message me if something was wrong, and his sudden text in the dead of night couldn''t mean anything good. My fingers shook slightly as I unlocked my phone, only to be greeted by a message that sent my mind spinning with more questions than answers.


    Neil: Let''s meet at the male restroom, 4th floor, right after our exams.


    I stared at the message, the words swimming in my vision as my thoughts raced. Why the restroom? Why after exams? What did Neil want to tell me that couldn''t wait?

 Chapter 65 - Accidental Love Triangle

    Chapter 65 - Accidental Love Triangle


    I finally finished the last exam for the Midterms. As soon as I slid my paper onto the scanner of the robotic proctor, a soft chime echoed, and a bright A- flashed on the holo-screen. Huh. Not bad. I hadn¡¯t exactly poured my soul into this Midterm¡ªafter all, Myrrh already had more than enough high marks to keep her scholarship on the Dean¡¯s List¡ªbut I somehow managed to scrape a pretty good grade anyway. Well, I¡¯ll take it.


    I glanced over my shoulder as I left the examination hall. Myrrh was at the proctor¡¯s desk, her neatly written answers disappearing into the scanner. When she noticed me watching, she flashed a soft, confident smile and waved lightly, her long greenish blonde hair swaying with the movement. I didn¡¯t wait. Instead, I stepped out of the room, letting the door slide shut behind me.


    Inside, Neil was still hunched over his desk, brows furrowed in deep concentration. Guess I¡¯ll just wait for him outside.


    As soon as I stepped into the hallway, I spotted Remuel leaning casually against the wall, eyes glued to his phone. His thumbs scrolled lazily through his feed, probably checking the latest drama or posting one of his infamous nonsense takes. Without a word, I walked up beside him, and just as expected, he was the first to break the silence.


    ¡°So, how was your score, Mister Topnotcher?¡± he teased, smirking as he tilted his head toward me.


    ¡°A minus,¡± I replied, shrugging. ¡°What about you?¡±


    ¡°C.¡± Remuel scoffed, slipping his phone into his pocket. ¡°Barely passed.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow. ¡°You had me fooled for a second. You were the first one to turn in your paper¡ªI thought you knew all the answers and just breezed through it.¡±


    ¡°I just gave up,¡± he admitted with a lopsided, idiotic grin. ¡°Honestly, I¡¯m more worried about Cindy. If I barely scraped a C, she might score even lower... but at this point, I¡¯ve given up worrying too. Haha.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m worried about Myrrh too,¡± I muttered, rubbing the back of my neck. ¡°Advanced Calculus was actually brutal this time.¡±


    Remuel let out an exaggerated groan and rolled his eyes. ¡°Oh, come on, you goddamn brainiac. You and Myrrh are guaranteed to pass. Stop overthinking it. Let¡¯s focus on the real benefit of exams.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow. ¡°And what¡¯s that supposed to be?¡±


    He turned his gaze to the window, where the golden afternoon sun bathed the hallway in a warm glow. His expression softened as he admired the view, a rare moment of serenity from someone as loud as him. ¡°Don¡¯t you just love how school days end early during exams?¡±


    I exhaled, then let a small grin creep onto my lips. ¡°Yeah¡­ I love it. It means we can game all we want for the rest of the day.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the spirit!¡± Remuel snapped his fingers with a satisfied smirk. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s wait for Neil.¡±


    Just as he said that, the classroom door slid open with a faint whoosh, and Neil stepped out. His eyes immediately locked onto mine¡ªcold, serious, unreadable. For a moment, we just stared at each other. Then, in that silent exchange, he gave a subtle chin-up gesture. To most people, it would¡¯ve looked arrogant, like a challenge, but I knew better. He was signaling me. A silent message: Meet at our spot.


    I frowned slightly. What¡¯s up with him?


    Something was definitely going on.


    As I scanned the hallway, I realized that Myrrh and Fei had already left the classroom¡ªearlier than Neil, in fact. I must have missed them while talking to Remuel. The two were deep in conversation, flipping through their notes and discussing their answers from the Advanced Calculus exam. Myrrh¡¯s brows were slightly furrowed in thought, while Fei nodded along, occasionally pointing at something in the notebook she held.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    ¡°Hey, Neil!¡± Remuel suddenly called out, waving enthusiastically at our friend, who seemed lost in his own world, walking away as if he hadn¡¯t even noticed us. ¡°Let¡¯s hang out!¡±


    Neil barely spared us a glance. ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry,¡± he muttered, voice unusually soft. ¡°I¡¯m not feeling well.¡±


    Then, without waiting for a response, he kept walking, his posture stiff, his steps unusually hurried. He wasn¡¯t just ignoring us¡ªhe was avoiding us. More specifically, he was avoiding our circle.


    I frowned. Is this about their fight? If things between him and Fei had gotten worse, it wouldn¡¯t be surprising for him to distance himself, not wanting to drag the rest of us into their relationship drama. But still¡­ something felt off.


    I followed his path with my eyes and saw him veering straight toward the male restroom. That was my cue.


    I tapped Remuel¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m gonna take a leak,¡± I said casually.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Remuel nodded, completely unaware of my actual intention.


    I walked at a steady pace, keeping a few meters behind Neil without making it obvious that I was following him. When he entered the restroom, I gave it a few seconds before stepping in as well.


    Inside, the air was cool and quiet, the faint hum of the ventilation system filling the silence. Neil stood by the sink, hunched over, water running as he splashed his face. Droplets clung to his pale skin, his dark brown hair damp near his forehead. His reflection in the mirror looked distant, troubled.


    I stepped up to the sink beside him, pretending to clean my nose. The faucet hissed as I let the water run, but my focus remained on him.


    Without turning my head, I muttered, ¡°So¡­ what was that message last night?¡±


    Neil¡¯s face remained cold, unreadable. He didn¡¯t glance at me, didn¡¯t even flinch. But when he finally spoke, his words were heavier than I ever expected.


    "Consider it a warning from a friend. Steer clear of Fei Xian."


    His voice was low, almost a whisper, yet it carried a weight that sent a chill down my spine.


    ¡°Pardon?¡± I let out a breathy chuckle, half in disbelief. Surely, he was joking.


    Then he turned to me. His eyes¡ªdark, sharp, and angry¡ªlocked onto mine, his expression so intense it nearly made me take a step back.


    "Stay away from Fei Xian. This is for your own good."


    The way he said it¡ªit wasn¡¯t advice. It wasn¡¯t concern. It sounded like a threat.


    ¡°W-What!?¡± I burst out, my voice louder than I intended, laughter bubbling up out of sheer confusion. ¡°What the hell are you talking about?¡±


    Neil¡¯s jaw tightened. His fists clenched so hard his knuckles turned white. For a second, I thought he was going to swing at me. My muscles tensed instinctively, ready to dodge, but instead of throwing a punch, he just¡­ stormed out.


    Like some demented shithead, he shoved past me and stomped toward the exit.


    ¡°Hey, Neil!¡± I called after him, but he didn¡¯t stop. Didn¡¯t even acknowledge me. He just pushed open the restroom door and disappeared into the corridor.


    I stood there, gripping the edge of the sink, staring at my reflection in the mirror. My own face mirrored my thoughts¡ªutter confusion.


    More questions than answers.


    Neil clearly didn¡¯t want to talk any further. And judging by how pissed he was, maybe it was best to stay away from him for now.


    As I stepped out of the male restroom, I immediately spotted Myrrh and Fei standing in the hallway. Myrrh¡¯s sharp eyes were locked onto me, her arms crossed just below her chest, while Fei¡¯s gaze was fixed on Neil¡¯s retreating figure.


    ¡°Neil!¡± Fei called out, her voice carrying a mix of concern and urgency.


    But Neil didn¡¯t stop. He didn¡¯t even flinch. He just kept walking as if her voice was nothing more than background noise.


    ¡°The hell is wrong with that guy?¡± Myrrh muttered, her arms tightening around herself in irritation.


    I let out a half-hearted shrug. ¡°Beats me.¡±


    ¡°I know Neil¡¯s an idiot, but that sudden bipolar attitude¡­¡± Myrrh mumbled, furrowing her brows. ¡°Is he on drugs or something?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re bipolar too, Myrrh, but nobody¡¯s accusing you of being a drug addict.¡± I shot her a look. ¡°That was rude.¡±


    ¡°Oh, forgive me, Saint Zaft Callahan.¡± Myrrh rolled her eyes dramatically, lips curling into a small pout. ¡°I¡¯m just pointing out that something is very wrong with Neil, thank you very much.¡±


    Before I could reply, Fei suddenly bowed her head slightly, her tone soft and apologetic. ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry for Neil¡¯s behavior, everyone.¡±


    Both Myrrh and I turned to her.


    ¡°To tell the truth¡­¡± Fei hesitated, her fingers tightening around the hem of her skirt. ¡°We¡­ we had a fight after that celebration. And¡­ I dumped him.¡±


    My breath hitched slightly.


    Fei sighed, rubbing her arm as if to comfort herself. ¡°Maybe he¡¯s just taking it out on himself. He probably just wants to be alone. I know I was selfish, but please¡­ try to understand his feelings for now. Please give him some space.¡±


    I stood there, dumbfounded.


    Wait. Wait.


    Did I just get myself caught in an accidental love triangle?

 Chapter 66 - Finals Reshuffle

    Chapter 66 - Finals Reshuffle


    Sunday has arrived, and with it, the realization that my weekend after midterms has been painfully uneventful. I had actually planned a small hangout yesterday¡ªjust me, Remuel, and Neil¡ªbut Neil turned me down without much of an excuse. Not only that, but I can¡¯t even get him to join our usual mobile gaming sessions. At this point, it¡¯s starting to feel like the guy outright despises me.


    Left with little else to do, I spent most of my weekend exchanging texts with Myrrh. Our conversations jumped between random topics, but they always seemed to circle back to one thing¡ªNeil and Fei¡¯s love quarrels. Or, more specifically, the absurd love triangle I somehow found myself tangled in. Myrrh, ever the amused bystander, just laughed at my predicament.


    Myrrh: (¨R¨Œ¨Q)


    Myrrh: It¡¯s impossible for Fei to have a crush on you, goon!


    Myrrh: Fei has never told me anything about it! You''re so assuming!


    I frowned at my screen, tapping out my response with a mix of frustration and curiosity.


    Me: Then why is Neil so mad at me?


    Me: And he literally told me to stay away from Fei.


    Me: Is he insecure? Is he worried Fei might actually fall for me?


    Me: Maybe I¡¯m just too handsome for my own good :3


    Myrrh: In your dreams!


    Myrrh: Anyway, you should clear things up with those two.


    I stared at her message for a moment, drumming my fingers against my phone case. An idea suddenly popped into my head, and I smirked.


    Me: Wait, I got an idea. Hang on a sec.


    Myrrh: K.


    I closed my messenger bar and swiftly opened a new group chat. My fingers moved with mischievous intent as I set my plan into motion.


    [Zaft Created a New Group Chat]


    [Zaft renamed the group chat to ¡°Lovey Dove Dove <3 <3 <3¡±]


    [Zaft added Neil to the group chat Lovey Dove Dove <3 <3 <3]


    [Zaft added Fei to the group chat Lovey Dove Dove <3 <3 <3]


    The moment both names appeared in the chat, I saw it¡ªthose tiny typing indicators bouncing like restless dots. A smirk tugged at my lips. Perfect. I had to be quick. I tapped out my message at lightning speed and hit send before either of them could react.


    Me: Whoops! It looks like this is your private group chat, you lovebirds! :3


    Me: I¡¯m sorry for interrupting!


    And with that¡ªpoof.


    [Zaft left the group chat]


    I tossed my phone onto the bed and stretched out with a satisfied sigh. My work here was done. Surely, with just the right amount of teasing, those two would be forced to talk things out.


    ¡°Those two will reconcile any second now,¡± I muttered to myself, resting my hands behind my head. A grin crept onto my face. ¡°Damn, I¡¯m so smart it¡¯s actually kind of scary.¡±


    A few minutes later, my phone buzzed on the bed. I quickly grabbed it, thinking it was Myrrh, eagerly waiting for my update. But as I opened the message, I saw it wasn¡¯t her¡ªit was Neil.


    Neil: Not cool, Zaft. Not cool.


    My fingers hovered over the screen, a knot forming in my stomach. I quickly typed my response, trying to explain myself.


    Me: I made that private group chat for you two to reconcile. I wanted you to know that I¡¯m not a third party in your relationship.


    The reply came almost instantly.


    Neil: You have the wrong idea. Don¡¯t do that again.


    I froze, my heart sinking. I had done it again¡ªpushed things too far. It seemed like Neil was definitely angrier at me now. I was about to put the phone down when another notification popped up. This time, it was from Fei.


    Fei: That¡¯s not funny, Zaft! Please don¡¯t do that again!If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    I let out a nervous laugh, trying to brush it off. ¡°Wow, these two are still in sync,¡± I muttered under my breath, but it barely masked the unease creeping in. Inside, I was beginning to worry that I might¡¯ve just turned both Neil and Fei against me. I had no idea how to fix this, or if I even could.


    <><><>


    ¡°You absolute nincompoop of a goon!¡±


    It was Monday morning, and the first thing I heard as I walked into class was Myrrh¡¯s scolding. Her voice rang through the air, louder than the hum of idle chatter, making it impossible for me to escape her fury. I had just shared the story of the Lovey Dove Dove Group Chat¡ªa prank that, evidently, had not gone over well. What was supposed to be a peaceful Monday morning before the first period had quickly turned into a public lecture.


    The other students in the room were starting to glance our way, and Myrrh, ever the fiery one, immediately noticed the attention. A deep blush spread across her cheeks, and she quickly sat down at her desk, clearing her throat dramatically to cover the awkwardness.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± she muttered under her breath, as if to dismiss the sudden spotlight. But her eyes didn¡¯t lose their sharp edge when they landed on me. ¡°What were you thinking, Zaft?¡±


    I shrugged, trying to play it cool despite the mounting tension. ¡°I just wanted them to make up. That¡¯s all.¡±


    She wasn¡¯t buying it. ¡°If they wanted to message each other, they could¡¯ve done it without your stupid prank of a group chat. They could¡¯ve used their private chats, idiot.¡± Myrrh''s gaze hardened as she narrowed her eyes, clearly unimpressed with my attempt at a good deed.


    I could feel the weight of her glare. ¡°It¡¯s not about that,¡± I shot back, trying to salvage my reasoning. ¡°It¡¯s about telling them that I want them to settle things and that I¡¯m not a threat in their relationship.¡± I forced a smirk, though it felt flimsy under her stare.


    Myrrh¡¯s sigh was heavy, like the weight of all the wisdom in the world falling on me at once. ¡°It doesn¡¯t work that way. It¡¯s not that simple, you hooligan.¡± She shook her head in disbelief, her frustration bubbling up before she deflated entirely. With a final, resigned sigh, she softened. ¡°The best thing you can do for now is to leave them be, give them space, and let time heal their misunderstanding.¡±


    I let her words sink in, knowing she was probably right. But I wasn¡¯t ready to admit defeat just yet.


    I was about to reply, but then the door swung open, and Fei Xian entered the room. Her presence seemed to brighten the atmosphere as she flashed a warm smile at Myrrh, greeting her with a soft "Good morning." Then, with a grace that was both calm and poised, she made her way to her seat in front of us.


    Just a few minutes later, Neil walked in. His expression was a cold mask, emotionless and distant. He didn¡¯t spare a glance in our direction¡ªnot at Myrrh, not at me, and certainly not at Fei, who was sitting just beside him. He slid into his seat without so much as a twitch, his back straight, his posture rigid as if he were trying to distance himself from the world around him.


    In those quiet moments before the bell rang, the tension in the room was suffocating. All four of us were wrapped in an awkward silence, each lost in our own thoughts. I stole a glance at Myrrh, but she simply rolled her eyes in exasperation, resting her head on her hand with an air of resigned annoyance. It was as if she was silently telling me I had made things worse, deepening the rift between the two lovebirds.


    Just then, the door opened again, and Professor Chen entered the room, his voice breaking the tension. The bell rang sharply, signaling the start of the class.


    ¡°Good morning, everyone,¡± Professor Chen announced, his voice carrying the authority of the moment. ¡°Today marks the official first day of the Finals. For that, we will be reshuffling the pairings.¡±


    As those words settled in, the classroom came alive with murmurs. Conversations erupted around us as the students eagerly exchanged words, reflecting on the bond they had formed over the past six months with their partners. Glimpses of shared laughter, late-night study sessions, and fleeting memories of camaraderie flashed in my mind¡ªmemories that would soon be replaced with the reshuffling of teams. The end of an era.


    ¡°Zaft.¡± Myrrh¡¯s voice cut through the quiet, and when I looked at her, her blue eyes were twinkling with something I couldn¡¯t quite place. She smiled, and it was one of those rare, genuine smiles that always made her look a little softer. ¡°Thank you for making me an ace WAIFU for the past six months we¡¯ve been partners.¡±


    I felt my face heat up, and I scratched the back of my head, feeling awkward but touched. ¡°Well, it was a pain in the butt, but I can honestly say I enjoyed your company. I¡¯ll miss our friendly banter.¡±


    Truth be told, though, it wasn¡¯t just the banter that I would miss. The thought of Myrrh no longer being my partner, no longer calling me a ¡°goon¡± every day, left a hollow feeling in my chest. A hole, really, one that I hadn¡¯t noticed until now. I tried to brush it off, but the sadness was hard to ignore. Saying goodbye, even if it was only to our partnership, felt heavier than I expected.


    ¡°Pffft!¡± Myrrh scoffed, pulling me out of my thoughts. ¡°Why are you getting teary-eyed, you jerk?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not crying, bitch,¡± I shot back, my voice cracking before I could stop it.


    Myrrh¡¯s smile softened, and a faint blush crept across her cheeks, the pink hue contrasting with the usual mischief in her eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯re still classmates. We¡¯ll still see each other.¡± She paused, and something playful flickered behind her gaze. ¡°Oh, and I just remembered¡ªI still owe you one final date.¡±


    ¡°Oh, right. I almost forgot about that.¡± I said, trying to brush off the heaviness in the moment. Reaching out, I offered a handshake, trying to mask the pang of uncertainty in my chest. ¡°Welp, take care and good luck with your next partner.¡±


    Myrrh took my hand with a firm but warm grip, her soft fingers wrapping around mine in a gesture that felt strangely intimate. The warmth of her touch lingered longer than I expected. ¡°Same to you,¡± she replied, her smile softening just a touch. ¡°I hope you get a good WAIFU partner for the finals.¡±


    After the semi-farewell, the room fell into a quiet anticipation. The hologram flickered to life, flashing the names of students one by one as the randomizer machine worked its magic. A collective murmur filled the room as the final pairings for the Finals began to take shape. The names swirled in the air, and then¡­


    When the result was finally displayed, my heart sank. I stood frozen, staring at the screen in disbelief. Of all the people, of all the partners I could have gotten, the randomizer had to pick the one person I was least prepared to work with.


    My WAIFU partner for the Finals was none other than¡­


    Fei Xian.

 Chapter 67 - Rollerblade

    Chapter 67 - Rollerblade


    The classroom buzzed with frantic energy as students scrambled to find their new seats, eyes darting across the room to locate their newly assigned partners. Desks screeched against the floor, mingling with the excited chatter and occasional groans of dissatisfaction. Amidst the shuffle, Myrrh found herself partnered with none other than Kian Cyprus¡ªthe campus heartthrob who effortlessly commanded the attention of half the student body.


    Kian had the kind of striking presence that made people do a double take. Tall and lean, with smooth, ivory skin and a head of thick, curly black hair, he exuded an effortless coolness. If you squinted, he could easily pass for a Korean pop star¡ªthe type that made girls swoon and whisper feverishly in the hallways. It was no surprise that a collective sigh of disappointment rippled through the classroom as Myrrh took the seat beside him.


    Meanwhile, Neil was paired with some girl sporting a painfully generic bowl cut. I barely registered her presence, too preoccupied with the sharp, deathly glare that Neil had locked onto me. His eyes burned with unspoken resentment, and I could practically hear the silent accusation screaming through them. A shiver ran down my spine. Friends weren¡¯t supposed to look at each other like that.


    And then there was Fei¡ªher quiet, delicate presence beside me. The moment she settled into her seat, she turned to face me, her golden eyes warm yet hesitant. A slight blush dusted her cheeks as she bowed slightly, offering a soft, almost trembling smile.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m glad to be your WAIFU, Zaft. Please take care of me from now on,¡± she said, her voice gentle yet carrying an earnest sincerity.


    I inhaled deeply and let out a sigh. Out of all possible outcomes, the randomizer had somehow decided to roll the most complicated one for me.


    Objectively speaking, Fei was an excellent WAIFU partner for the finals¡ªstrong, intelligent, and someone I already got along with. Her long black hair always looked freshly rebonded, sleek and silky, framing her face in a way that made her seem effortlessly graceful. Those golden eyes, wide with innocence, carried an almost ethereal glow. She was quiet, a little awkward, and prone to clumsy moments that made her unintentionally adorable.


    But timing was a cruel thing. Right now, I was caught in an unwilling love triangle between Fei and Neil, and this pairing only made things worse.


    ¡°The honor is mine as well, Fei. Happy to be your support unit,¡± I replied, forcing a smile to hide my growing anxiety.


    Extending my hand for a handshake, I expected a firm grip, but Fei simply placed her hand atop mine, light as a feather, as if she were a puppy offering her paw. My breath hitched. The innocent gesture was unbearably cute, and before I could stop myself, warmth rose to my cheeks.


    Realizing the awkwardness of the moment, we both let out an embarrassed chuckle, the tension melting into something softer¡ªsomething uncertain, yet undeniably sweet.


    "Hahaha."


    "Hahaha."


    The laughter lingered awkwardly between Fei and me, but even through the chuckles, I could feel the heavy weight of Neil¡¯s glare boring into the back of my skull. Yeah¡­ I was definitely dead.


    Before I could dwell on my impending doom, Professor Chen clapped his hands, drawing the class¡¯s attention. He stood at the front with a composed demeanor, holding up two devices¡ªone was a sleek, futuristic wristwatch, the other a vibrant, compact morpher.


    ¡°Listen up, WAIFUs and support units. Link up your WEEB devices and morphers by gently tapping both devices together,¡± he instructed, his voice carrying an air of practiced patience. To demonstrate, he lightly tapped the morpher against the watch, triggering a smooth, holographic interface that flickered to life above his wrist.


    [WAIFU Link Initialized]


    Fei hesitated for a second before revealing her morpher¡ªwhite with striking orange accents, its design sleek and polished. The glow of the device reflected subtly in her golden eyes as she turned to me expectantly.


    ¡°Like this?¡± she asked, her voice soft as she carefully clinked her morpher against my smartwatch.


    A soft beep followed, and in an instant, both devices flashed with a synchronized system message.


    [WAIFU Link Initialized]


    [Rebooting Weaponry Enhanced Engineering Bios]


    [WAIFU: Fei Xian Registered]


    ¡°Oh!¡± Fei gasped, startled by the sudden activation. Her eyes widened in surprise, lips slightly parted as she took in the glowing display.


    I couldn¡¯t help but smile. The way her expression lit up in innocent curiosity¡ªit was adorable. No wonder Neil was completely smitten with her.


    Professor Chen clasped his hands behind his back, his sharp gaze sweeping across the classroom. His voice carried a sense of finality as he addressed us.


    ¡°For the next few months until the Finals, you WAIFUs and support units are stuck with each other. The grading system remains the same as in the Midterms, so make sure that no matter who your partner is, you find a way to work together.¡±Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    His words hung in the air like an unspoken challenge. Some students exchanged eager glances, while others groaned under their breath. I, however, was too busy calculating the fallout of my new partnership to react properly.


    Beside me, Fei beamed, her golden eyes brimming with sincerity. ¡°I hope we get along as partners, Zaft! I fully trust you!¡± she said, her voice light and unwavering.


    I forced a smile. ¡°Yeah. Ditto.¡±


    On paper, this should be a good match. Fei and I got along well enough¡ªprobably even better than I ever did with Myrrh. She was strong, reliable, and easy to talk to. But there was just one glaring problem.


    Her boyfriend.


    Or ex-boyfriend.


    Or whatever the hell Neil was supposed to be now.


    Because as of today, I was the guy partnered with Fei. And judging by the way Neil had been looking at me, I might as well have signed my own death warrant.


    How the hell was I supposed to beat the allegations of cucking my own friend now?


    <><><>


    Our next subject was the practical weapons test, which meant we were heading back to the simulations room¡ªa place of equal parts excitement and terror. The air buzzed with murmurs of anticipation as we filed in, the familiar metallic scent of the training facility filling my nose.


    At the front of the room, Professor Bao stood with her usual authoritative presence, her sharp eyes scanning the class as she swiped across her smart tablet. The glow of the screen reflected against her glasses as she addressed us.


    ¡°How are you doing with your new partners, WAIFUs and support units?¡± she asked, though the slight smirk on her lips suggested she already knew some of us were struggling. ¡°I hope you¡¯re getting along, especially since today marks your first practical test of the Finals. For this session, I¡¯m enhancing your clearance level to Level 8.¡±


    With a simple press on her tablet, a synchronized chime echoed through the room. Our WEEB Systems blinked to life, projecting holographic displays above our wrists.


    [Weaponry Enhancement Engineering Bios]


    [Clearance Level Up]


    [New Weapon Unlocked]


    [Level 8 ¨C Rollerblade]


    I frowned at the notification. ¡°Rollerblade?¡± I muttered under my breath, tilting my wrist to get a better look.


    ¡°Wow.¡±


    Fei¡¯s quiet voice came from dangerously close to my ear. I barely had time to process her reaction before realizing just how close she had leaned in¡ªher soft breath brushed against my skin as she peered at my hologram display, her golden eyes reflecting the neon blue text.


    Her face was just beside mine, above my right shoulder.


    I turned my head slightly¡ªjust a small glance¡ªand almost grazed her cheek. My breath hitched. Too close.


    Reacting on instinct, I took a quick step back, barely avoiding an accidental kiss. The moment passed in a blur, but something lingered in the air between us. A soft, subtle scent.


    Baby powder.


    It was soothing in a way I hadn¡¯t expected¡ªgentle, warm, almost comforting. A stark contrast to the sharp tension that had just surged through me.


    I cleared my throat and forced my eyes back onto my hologram display, pretending I wasn¡¯t just on the verge of having a full-on heart attack.


    ¡°These rollerblades are motorized skates for Frame Units,¡± Professor Bao explained, her voice crisp and authoritative. She tapped her tablet, and a holographic diagram of the new equipment spun in midair. Sleek wheels lined with stabilizers, compact thrusters near the heels.


    ¡°These wheels are primarily designed for urban warfare, allowing Frame Units to traverse cities with enhanced agility. While they function best under Earth¡¯s gravity, they can still be used here in Xyraxis¡ªor any other planetary surface¡ªwith a few tweaks and necessary handicaps.¡±


    Beside me, Fei let out a quiet groan. ¡°I don¡¯t know how to use roller skates even in my human form.¡± Her expression was nothing short of distressed as she turned to me with wide, pleading eyes. ¡°Can you help me, Zaft?¡±


    I hesitated before nodding. ¡°I¡¯ll try. I¡¯ve never used roller skates either, but I¡¯ll guide you the best I can.¡±


    Fei¡¯s face instantly brightened. ¡°You¡¯re the best, Zaft!¡± she chirped, pumping her fists in excitement.


    I forced a small smile in response, though I couldn¡¯t shake the burning sensation at the back of my head¡ªthe unmistakable feeling of someone glaring daggers into me. Neil, most likely. But I refused to turn around.


    Professor Bao clapped her hands, regaining control of the room. ¡°Now, all WAIFUs, proceed to the red line. Support units, to the blue line. You know the drill.¡±


    The room shifted into movement as the WAIFUs strode toward the red-marked section of the simulation floor, while the support units, including myself, took position by the blue line. A familiar tension thickened the air as everyone prepared themselves.


    Then, in perfect synchronization, the WAIFUs raised their morphers high.


    ¡°Frame Unit, Awaken!¡±


    A surge of brilliant energy erupted across the training floor. Columns of light shot up, engulfing each WAIFU as their bodies expanded, mechanical limbs forming, armor plating locking into place with heavy metallic clanks. The very air trembled under the sheer force of the transformation.


    Fei¡¯s Frame Unit emerged¡ªa towering, twenty-meter titan of orange and white, its sleek design accented with glowing golden circuits pulsing along the armor. Her mech¡¯s golden eyes flickered to life, a radiant gleam cutting through the fading light of the transformation sequence.


    Even among the other Frame Units, hers stood out.


    I swallowed. No matter how many times I witnessed it, watching a WAIFU transform was still breathtaking.


    Now, it was our turn to shine.


    The support units tapped into our WEEB Systems, scrolling to the newly unlocked Level 8 weapon. A sharp hum resonated through my left hand as the cybernetic circuits pulsed with energy¡ªexcept now, instead of their usual blue, they glowed gold. My brows furrowed slightly. That was new.


    I flicked a glance at Fei¡¯s Frame Unit. Its golden circuits pulsed with the same warm glow, synchronizing with my own. A small detail, but it drove home the reality of our new partnership.


    Taking a deep breath, we all called out in unison:


    ¡°Rollerblade, Equip!¡±


    A bright cybernetic circle formed beneath the feet of every Frame Unit. Then, with a flash, motorized rollerblades materialized onto their heels. The engines inside the wheels roared to life, glowing faintly as they activated.


    One by one, the massive mechs pushed off, gliding smoothly across the flat metallic terrain of the simulation room. Some handled the motion with practiced ease. Others wobbled, adjusting to the unexpected momentum.


    And then there was Fei.


    ¡°Wah¡ªWAAAAH!¡±


    Her Frame Unit shot forward before she could even process what was happening. Her arms flailed wildly, her balance slipping almost instantly.


    CRASH.


    The ground shook as she fell flat on her metallic butt, the thunderous clang reverberating across the room like an explosion.


    ¡°Owie!¡± Fei¡¯s voice crackled through the mech¡¯s external speakers, a mixture of pain and embarrassment.


    I rushed over, genuinely concerned. ¡°Fei, are you okay?¡±


    Her Frame Unit¡¯s golden eyes blinked as she looked up at me, her massive robotic form somehow managing to convey sheepishness. ¡°I-I¡¯m fine.¡±


    I sighed in relief¡­ but the moment was short-lived.


    Because there it was again.


    That burning glare pressing into the back of my skull.


    I tensed. This time, I didn¡¯t need to turn around to know exactly who it was.


    Neil.


    And he was not happy.

 Chapter 68 - Lightning Drift

    Chapter 68 - Lightning Drift


    I watched the other Frame Units struggle to maintain their balance on rollerblades, their metallic frames wobbling with every uncertain glide. Some managed to push forward in short bursts, their skates screeching against the floor as they fought to stay upright. Others flailed, arms spinning wildly, barely avoiding a crash. But two stood out¡ªMyrrh and her new partner.


    Myrrh¡¯s Frame Unit moved with effortless grace, her wheels humming as she drifted through turns like a seasoned skater. Every motion was fluid, every pivot precise. At one point, she even attempted a twirl mid-glide, mimicking the elegance of a ballerina. For her, this wasn¡¯t just a test¡ªit was second nature, just another fundamental skill she had already mastered.


    As I observed closely, something clicked. Myrrh¡¯s technique wasn¡¯t just instinct¡ªit followed a pattern, one I could recognize among the few others who had managed to control their balance. There was a method to their movement, a key to stability that the struggling Frame Units had yet to grasp.


    A soft whimper pulled me from my thoughts.


    ¡°Huhu, I¡¯m sorry, Zaft,¡± my new WAIFU partner, Fei Xian, whimpered, her voice carrying a mix of guilt and frustration. ¡°We might fail this practical exam because of me¡­¡±


    I glanced at her, noting how her metallic frame trembled as she sat slumped on the ground. Despite her usual poise, she seemed completely lost on wheels. I couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    ¡°Fei, stand up and try again,¡± I said, my tone light with encouragement. ¡°I want to test something.¡±


    Fei¡¯s sleek, metallic head tilted toward me before she gave a hesitant nod. With some struggle, she managed to push herself back onto her feet, her balance still precarious.


    ¡°Now, bend your knees and lower your center of gravity as much as you can. Rev the rollerblades, but keep yourself steady.¡±


    Fei crouched, her mechanical joints adjusting as she followed my instructions. The wheels of her rollerblades whirred softly, slowly pulling her forward. She was moving¡ªnot smoothly, but at least without toppling over. However, her posture remained awkward, her metallic arms stretched out in a desperate attempt to keep from falling.


    ¡°W-Wow! It¡¯s working! I can use rollerblades now!¡± Fei cried out, her voice filled with excitement. ¡°You¡¯re amazing, Zaft!¡±


    I smirked, feeling a swell of pride at my own clever idea. Watching the other Frame Units, I had noticed a common pattern¡ªthey kept their knees bent and let the rollerblades do most of the work, minimizing unnecessary leg movement. Since Fei was crouched, her lowered center of gravity made it easier to maintain balance, allowing her to roll forward smoothly.


    Now, Fei was gliding like a miniature vehicle, her wheels whirring beneath her. Though her posture was still a little awkward, she was moving without toppling over¡ªprogress.


    ¡°Fei, try lowering your arms, but keep your elbows slightly bent,¡± I instructed. ¡°And once you feel stable, start straightening your knees little by little.¡±


    ¡°Wilco!¡± Fei saluted with enthusiasm before eagerly experimenting with her movements, rolling forward in cautious yet playful bursts.


    For the next thirty minutes, I guided her step by step, adjusting her form and helping her fine-tune her balance. It was a new experience for me¡ªteaching a partner instead of simply working alongside one. Back in the midterms, Myrrh had never needed my guidance. She was already ahead of the curve, moving at her own pace.


    This, however, was different. At first, I could feel the stress creeping in, my patience tested with every wobble and near-fall. But then, as Fei improved little by little, a different feeling settled in¡ªsatisfaction. Seeing her progress, no matter how gradual, felt oddly rewarding.


    After half an hour, a sharp voice cut through the air.


    ¡°Practice time is over. Time for the practical test,¡± Professor Bao announced through her mic. ¡°All Frame Units, return to the red line.¡±


    At once, the training room buzzed with motion as every Frame Unit rolled back into position, forming a neat line behind the bold red marker on the floor. I straightened up, shifting my focus. Now that practice was over, it was time for the real challenge.


    ¡°For this test, we will have a time trial, just like during our Jetpack practicum,¡± Professor Bao announced, her voice crisp over the intercom. ¡°I have marked each of the towers on your minimaps. You must reach and touch them in numerical order. Once you hit the fourth tower, the test will end. Are you ready?¡±


    ¡°Ready!¡± we all shouted in unison.


    Professor Bao tapped her tablet, and the simulation room shifted in an instant. The once-empty space transformed into a sprawling urban landscape, complete with towering skyscrapers and a maze-like network of highways wide enough for Frame Units to race through. The lights of the city flickered to life, casting an artificial glow over the steel roads.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    ¡°Begin!¡± Professor Bao blew her whistle.


    The room erupted into motion. Engines roared as Frame Units surged forward, their rollerblades whirring as they boosted off the starting line. The first tower stood directly ahead, glowing bright red, making it an easy target. The support units, myself included, didn¡¯t need to give any directions¡ªour partners could reach it without guidance.


    A series of sharp beeps echoed as Frame Units made contact with the first tower. Fei, now fully engaged in the race, stretched out her metallic arm and tapped it as she passed.


    ¡°Fei, second tower at your nine o¡¯clock!¡± I called out. ¡°Sharp left turn coming up, followed by a zigzag section. Be ready!¡±


    ¡°Got it!¡± Fei¡¯s voice crackled through the comms, brimming with determination.


    She pushed her rollerblades to full throttle, the wheels screeching against the asphalt as she leaned into the sharp left. Sparks flew as she executed a perfect drift, then immediately transitioned into the zigzag, her body swaying fluidly from side to side. The maneuver was rough but effective, and before I knew it, Fei had tapped the second tower.


    We were making good progress¡ªhovering around the middle of the rankings. But at the front of the pack, effortlessly pulling ahead, was the undeniable leader of the race.


    Of course, it was Myrrh.


    She wasn¡¯t just skating¡ªshe was dancing across the course. Every movement was precise, every turn effortless. While others fought for control, she glided as if she had been born with rollerblades on her feet. It was mesmerizing to watch.


    Fei had improved, but if we wanted to stand a chance, we¡¯d have to step it up.


    ¡°Man, Myrrh is really a different beast!¡± Fei exclaimed, awe evident in her voice as she caught a glimpse of Myrrh effortlessly gliding ahead.


    ¡°No time to admire her! Third tower¡ªon your left!¡± I snapped, bringing her focus back to the race.


    ¡°R-Right!¡± Fei responded quickly, snapping out of her daze. She leaned hard into another sharp left turn, her rollerblades screeching against the asphalt as she maintained her momentum. With a swift tap, the third tower beeped in recognition.


    Something incredible was happening¡ªFei had begun overtaking several other Frame Units. Her natural instincts, combined with the crouched stance I had taught her, were giving her an edge. That rapid, near-effortless drift she had just pulled off? It wasn¡¯t just luck. It was something new. A technique.


    I smirked. Lightning Drift. That¡¯s what I¡¯d call it from now on. A technique born out of an accident, refined through pure instinct.


    ¡°Fourth tower ahead¡ªanother zigzag! All sharp curves! Be cautious!¡± I warned.


    ¡°Will do!¡± Fei responded, but instead of slowing down like any sane pilot would, she accelerated.


    My stomach twisted. What the hell is she thinking?! Any pilot with common sense knew that a winding road full of sharp turns required a slower, more controlled approach. But Fei? She was going in at full throttle, showing no signs of hesitation.


    Is she really planning to drift through all of it? At this speed?!


    Meanwhile, at the front of the race, Myrrh remained untouchable. She wasn¡¯t just moving¡ªshe was flowing through the course, each turn executed with pinpoint accuracy. Her partner, Kian, was feeding her precise instructions, and she followed them without missing a beat. Myrrh¡¯s Frame Unit barely lost any speed as she swayed and drifted through the bends, her movements impossibly fluid.


    She wasn¡¯t just leading the race¡ªshe was dominating it.


    If Fei really wanted to challenge her, she¡¯d have to pull off something incredible.


    With the sharp zigzags ahead, most of the other Frame Units played it safe, tapping their brakes to maintain control. Their careful maneuvering slowed them down just enough for Fei to surge ahead. One by one, she overtook them¡ªfirst passing the third-place contender, then swiftly closing the gap on second. Now, the only one standing between her and the fourth tower was Myrrh.


    Sensing the approaching challenge, Myrrh glanced back. Her sharp blue eyes locked onto Fei, assessing her rapid advance. Then, with a scoff, she smirked.


    ¡°Hmph! I¡¯m sorry, Fei! But first place is mine!¡±


    With that, Myrrh kicked her thrusters into overdrive. Her rollerblades blazed across the track, leaving behind a faint trail of heat as she rocketed forward. In one final, graceful motion, she tapped the fourth tower¡ªBEEP!¡ªsecuring her victory.


    Two seconds later, Fei slammed her hand against the tower¡ªBEEP!¡ªjust shy of first place.


    A triumphant voice rang through the intercom.


    ¡°We have our ace for this Finals!¡± Professor Bao declared. ¡°And it is none other than Myrrh Alicent!¡±


    A roar of cheers erupted.


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Kian fist-pumped the air, his voice brimming with excitement. ¡°You¡¯re the best, Miss Alicent!¡±


    Myrrh returned to her humanoid form, with a practiced flick of her long lime-blonde hair, exuding effortless confidence. She tilted her chin up, radiating her usual air of superiority.


    ¡°Hmph, it¡¯s just a basic skill,¡± she said with an exaggerated flair, as if her victory had never been in doubt.


    Fei reverted to her human form, her petite frame and soft features making her look even more endearing. With teary, shimmering eyes, she approached me, clutching her hands together like a guilty child.


    ¡°Zaft¡­ I¡¯m sorry I¡¯m not as good as Myrrh,¡± she whimpered, her voice barely above a whisper.


    I let out a chuckle, resting my hands on my hips.


    ¡°I¡¯m not a competitive person, so forget that bitch,¡± I said with a smirk. ¡°You did great. If anything, I should be the one apologizing¡ªI was giving you some of those directions way too late.¡±


    Fei¡¯s metallic irises widened as she shook her head frantically.


    ¡°N-No! You were amazing! You even taught me how to balance myself on those rollerblades!¡± she declared, her voice regaining its usual enthusiasm.


    Clenching her fists, she straightened her back, puffing her chest out with conviction.


    ¡°If anything, we passed because of your genius!¡±


    I let out a small laugh. ¡°Well, you¡¯re a fast learner too, so let¡¯s just split the blame and the praise fifty-fifty.¡±


    Fei¡¯s lips curled into a bright smile. ¡°Okay then! Thank you for all the tips!¡± She extended her hand toward me, palm up, eagerly waiting for a handshake.


    I grinned and clasped her hand firmly. ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡±


    As our hands met, I couldn¡¯t help but feel it¡ªwe really were a team. Fei was exactly the kind of partner I had hoped for back on day one. She was quick to learn, eager to improve, and genuinely fun to be around.


    If only we weren¡¯t tangled in some chaotic love triangle, maybe I could actually enjoy her company without distractions.


    Especially now, when I could feel a searing glare drilling into my back¡ªone much deadlier than before.

 Chapter 69 - Sobbing Ramyun

    Chapter 69 - Sobbing Ramyun


    The final bell had rung, marking the end of classes, and the classroom buzzed with the sounds of students packing their things. Most, if not all, were already engrossed in lively conversations with their newly assigned partners, the air thick with excitement and fresh bonds forming.


    My gaze drifted, almost instinctively, toward Myrrh. She was chatting with her new partner, Kian, her lips curling into a radiant smile that made her blue eyes shimmer under the afternoon light. A soft scoff escaped her, teasing yet playful, and for some reason, it struck me¡ªadorable. My chest tightened, warmth creeping up my face. Just a little.


    But that warmth quickly turned into something else¡ªsomething unpleasant. A dull ache settled in my chest, pressing uncomfortably as I watched her smile like that, knowing I was too far away to be the reason for it. And worse, she was smiling at another guy.


    Kian was undeniably handsome, his sharp features and confident posture reminding me of Myrrh¡¯s ex-boyfriend¡ªperhaps even surpassing him. Together, they looked¡­ well, they looked good. And that thought sent a tiny, sharp pinch through me.


    Am I¡­ jealous?


    ¡°No, no, no. There¡¯s no way I¡¯m jealous,¡± I muttered under my breath, shaking my head to dispel the ridiculous notion. ¡°That bitch can go for any guy she likes. It¡¯s none of my damn business.¡±


    That was right. Myrrh was just a friend¡ªno, a former enemy from high school. I had wanted a different partner from the start, and fate had granted me Fei Xian, a fantastic WAIFU partner. There was no reason for me to think about Myrrh anymore.


    Yet, as my gaze shifted to my seatmate, Fei, I noticed her staring across the room, her expression unreadable¡ªuntil I followed her line of sight.


    Neil sat at the far right of the classroom, his posture relaxed, his face noticeably brighter than when he was with Fei. He spoke casually with his new WAIFU partner, unaware of the way Fei¡¯s lips pressed together, her teeth grazing her lower lip. A faint crease formed between her brows.


    She looked heartbroken.


    And suddenly, I realized¡ªI wasn¡¯t the only one feeling this way.


    Neil and his new WAIFU partner were the first to leave the classroom, their figures disappearing through the doorway with an air of casual ease. Not long after, Myrrh and Kian followed suit, their silhouettes vanishing down the same hallway. A bitter thought crept into my mind¡ªwere they going on a date? The idea gnawed at me, sending a restless energy through my chest. Or maybe I was just overthinking, my own insecurities twisting reality into something it wasn¡¯t.


    This whole partnership setup already felt awkward enough, a delicate balance teetering between forced cooperation and unspoken tension. But if there was one thing I was good at, it was breaking the silence. When needed, I could be extroverted enough to keep morale afloat¡ªeven when my own thoughts weighed me down.


    Beside me, the unmistakable voice of Remuel cut through the murmurs of the remaining students. He was turned toward his new WAIFU, Cassidy, his ever-present confidence practically radiating from him.


    ¡°Hey, since this is our first day as partners, why don¡¯t we hang out?¡± he proposed with a grin, flashing a look of pure self-assurance. ¡°Iced coffee in the northern metropolis, my treat. I want to learn more about you, Miss Cassidy.¡±


    Cassidy tilted her head slightly, considering the offer before nodding. ¡°That¡¯s a good idea. I want to learn more about you too.¡±


    I let out a quiet sigh, shaking my head in both admiration and disbelief. Look at him. Despite his small, almost dwarf-like stature, his confidence was that of a titan. He didn¡¯t hesitate, didn¡¯t waver¡ªhe just asked a girl out for coffee like it was the most natural thing in the world.


    Maybe¡­ maybe I should do the same.


    The thought struck me before I could second-guess it. Asking Fei out, even if just for coffee, could help ease the awkwardness that hung between us like a fog. And perhaps, in the process, I could finally get some insight into her strained relationship with Neil. He had refused to elaborate, brushing it off whenever the topic arose, but Fei might be willing to talk.


    I turned slightly, lowering my voice.


    ¡°Fei,¡± I whispered.


    ¡°Eeep!¡± Fei let out a startled squeak, her golden eyes going wide like a deer caught in headlights. A second later, she exhaled, pressing a hand against her chest before forcing a nervous smile. ¡°Y-Yes, Zaft?¡±


    I hesitated for a moment, scratching my cheek in an attempt to mask my own awkwardness. A forced smile tugged at my lips as I tried to appear as casual as possible. ¡°Would you, uh¡­ want to hang out? Maybe grab a bite or something?¡±


    For a second, Fei just blinked at me, her expression unreadable. Then, her golden eyes softened, shimmering under the fluorescent lights like warm honey. She tilted her head slightly, her gaze holding an almost childlike curiosity¡ªinnocent, hesitant, but undeniably bright.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°Okay. I¡¯m kind of hungry too.¡±


    I felt the corners of my lips curl into a more natural smile. ¡°I know a place that serves Korean street food in the eastern metropolis. Sounds like a plan?¡±


    The moment I mentioned food, Fei¡¯s entire demeanor shifted. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and a grin spread across her face.


    ¡°Mmm! Mmm!¡± She nodded eagerly, fists clenched in a small, determined pump of enthusiasm.


    I chuckled at her reaction. Maybe this wouldn¡¯t be so awkward after all.


    <><><>


    We made our way to the eastern side of Xyraxis Metropolis, a vibrant district known for its rich variety of Asian cuisine. The air was thick with the savory aroma of sizzling meats, fragrant spices, and freshly steamed buns, mingling with the lively chatter of food vendors calling out their specials. Since the year was coming to an end, the entire market pulsed with festivity¡ªvivid dragon dances weaved through the streets, their scales glimmering under the soft glow of lanterns, while hologram fireworks painted the sky in fleeting bursts of neon light.


    Despite the moderate crowd, the place was already buzzing with energy, the rhythmic beat of festival drums and excited voices blending into a symphony of celebration.


    We stopped at a cozy food stall specializing in Korean dishes, the scent of simmering broth and skewered delicacies filling the air. After a quick glance at the menu, we settled on tteok-bokki, fishcakes, and a steaming bowl of ramyun.


    As we ate, I quickly noticed something about Fei¡ªshe loved food, but she took her time with it. Her slow, deliberate bites matched my own unhurried pace, making our meal feel oddly in sync. It was a quiet kind of comfort, one I hadn¡¯t expected.


    A few sips into my broth, I glanced over and noticed Fei lifting a strand of noodles with her chopsticks. She held them there, unmoving, her golden eyes locked onto the glistening strands as if lost in a distant thought. Seconds passed, and she still hadn¡¯t taken a bite.


    ¡°Um, Fei?¡± I asked, lowering my spoon. ¡°Is something wrong with the ramyun? If you don¡¯t like it, just tell me, and I''ll go call the manager. In case you don''t know, I''m a black belt in being a Karen.¡± I joked.


    ¡°Ah, no.¡± Fei shook her head quickly, her voice a little flustered. ¡°It¡¯s just that¡­ Neil once asked me to eat noodles with him too. Except it was ramen, not ramyun.¡± She hesitated, her grip tightening slightly around her chopsticks. ¡°I-I¡¯m not saying this isn¡¯t delicious or anything! It¡¯s just¡­ funny, isn¡¯t it? The irony of it all.¡±


    Her words hit me with an unexpected weight.


    I had never really cared about the details of Neil and Fei¡¯s relationship before. Their first date, their moments together¡ªit had all seemed so distant, so irrelevant to me. And yet, here I was, unknowingly leading her into the same kind of memory that might only deepen the wounds she was trying to heal from.


    I had been careless.


    Guilt settled in my chest like an uncomfortable weight. I needed to make up for this somehow¡ªI couldn¡¯t just let our night end on the note of old heartbreaks.


    ¡°Hey, if you need help with Neil, I¡¯m your guy,¡± I said, leaning slightly forward. ¡°I can be your wingman. Both of your wingman, if that¡¯s what it takes.¡±


    Fei paused mid-bite, then slowly set her chopsticks down. She closed her eyes for a moment before shaking her head, a small, almost weary smile tugging at her lips. ¡°N-No, it¡¯s okay,¡± she murmured. ¡°It¡¯s just a simple quarrel. You don¡¯t have to go pulling another crazy stunt like you did yesterday.¡±


    I exhaled, swirling my chopsticks absently through the broth. ¡°Myrrh is worried about both of you,¡± I said, my tone softer. ¡°Not just us. Cindy and Remuel too. Our whole circle feels¡­ off. It¡¯s like everything¡¯s breaking apart because of this.¡±


    At that, Fei¡¯s golden eyes snapped up to meet mine, wide with surprise.


    ¡°Break up?¡± she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°With Neil?¡±


    I blinked. That reaction¡ªit wasn¡¯t what I was expecting.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± I said, taking a slow sip of my noodles. ¡°Everything¡¯s been kind of awkward lately.¡±


    Fei didn¡¯t respond right away. Instead, she just stared at me, the flickering neon lights from the food stalls reflecting in her gaze. There was something unreadable in her expression, something I couldn¡¯t quite place.


    Had I just said something wrong? Or¡­ something she hadn¡¯t even realized herself?


    Fei lowered her gaze, her shoulders trembling slightly as she spoke. ¡°We can no longer fix our relationship, Zaft. I¡­ I already dumped him.¡± Her voice wavered, carrying the weight of something she was trying hard to suppress.


    A lump formed in my throat. ¡°Why?¡± I mumbled, barely above a whisper.


    She shook her head, strands of her dark curls swaying slightly. ¡°It¡¯s personal,¡± she said, her voice tight. ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk about it¡­ I hope you understand.¡±


    I studied her for a moment, searching for something¡ªsome clue, some hint of the truth buried beneath her quiet sadness. But all I saw was the way her hands gripped the edge of the table, her fingers pressing into the worn surface as if grounding herself.


    ¡°Alright,¡± I said at last, leaning back. ¡°That¡¯s too bad, though. Neil is clearly still madly in love with you.¡±


    Fei let out a soft, bitter chuckle. ¡°That¡¯s right. And it¡¯s all my fault that our relationship crumbled.¡± She exhaled shakily, her voice almost breaking. ¡°I dumped him because¡­ I¡¯m a bad girl.¡±


    Her words hung between us, heavy and fragile, like glass about to shatter.


    ¡°That¡¯s not true at all,¡± I said firmly. ¡°You¡¯re the nicest girl I¡¯ve met since enrolling in Orbital Tech.¡± I gave her a small smile, hoping¡ªjust hoping¡ªit would help even a little.


    Fei blinked, her golden eyes widening slightly before a soft blush dusted her cheeks. She pressed a hand to her chest, as if holding onto something warm. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ flattering,¡± she murmured. Then, with a small, genuine smile, she added, ¡°Thank you for that compliment, Zaft.¡±


    I watched her for a moment, my thoughts swirling.


    A theory had started to form in my mind, one I wasn¡¯t entirely comfortable with. Fei¡­ might have liked me. Maybe it was because I am smart, or maybe because I''m handsome. I''m betting on the latter, though I''m pretty sure everyone would likely disagree. Could it be that Fei had fallen for me instead¡ªand now Neil was jealous?


    I wasn¡¯t sure, and frankly, I didn¡¯t want to be sure. If that was true, I was in a serious pinch.


    I cleared my throat and forced a grin. ¡°Now, let¡¯s eat before the ramyun gets cold!¡±


    Fei giggled softly, and just like that, the tension in the air eased. The awkwardness, the lingering weight of our conversation¡ªit all melted away as we focused on our meal.


    Even though I was left with more questions than answers about Neil and Fei¡¯s breakup, one thing was certain. This was the first time Fei and I had ever spoken like this, just the two of us. And despite everything, I felt like we had connected on a deeper level, strengthening whatever bond had started to form between us.


    For now, that was enough.

 Chapter 70 - Bread and Cheese

    Chapter 70 - Bread and Cheese


    The time for the written test has arrived. Doctor Gremus strides across the lecture hall, his heavy boots tapping against the polished floor as he distributes the exam papers with a practiced motion. The dim glow of the tablets, set to standby, reflects off the cold, sterile desks, waiting for his command. The air is thick with the quiet tension of impending challenge, yet amidst it, Fei and I share a lighthearted exchange, a bubble of warmth in the otherwise nerve-wracking atmosphere.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do our best on this exam, Zaft!¡± Fei exclaims, her bright eyes shimmering with determination as she pumps her fists enthusiastically.


    ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s.¡± I chuckle, leaning back slightly. ¡°I¡¯ll be counting on you to ace this one.¡±


    She tilts her head, laughing. ¡°Whoa, I think you¡¯re overestimating me! If anything, you¡¯ll be carrying me this time, Mister Top 4 of the Licensure Examination Tournament.¡± Her voice lilts with amusement, her cheerful chuckle carrying a contagious energy.


    ¡°Well, if you put it like that¡­¡± I murmur, rubbing the back of my neck as a sheepish heat creeps up my face.


    Even in this moment, I can feel it¡ªthat familiar, piercing sensation of being watched. A cold, unwavering glare that sends an uncomfortable shiver down my spine. It¡¯s not the first time. Every time I share an easy conversation with Fei, someone in the room seems to radiate hostility toward me. I have a strong suspicion it¡¯s Neil. The weight of his resentment is almost tangible, like a silent force pressing against my back.


    I don¡¯t blame him. If I were in his shoes, I¡¯d probably be just as bitter. But I wish I could set things straight, tell him I have no romantic interest in Fei, that I¡¯d never betray a friend like that. I¡¯ve tried reaching out¡ªmessages left unread, calls ringing into the void. Neil refuses to acknowledge me, locking himself behind an invisible wall of silence. Even Fei, in her usual frankness, told me to stay out of their affairs. So, for now, all I can do is respect that boundary.


    ¡°The examination starts now,¡± Doctor Gremus announces, his voice cutting through the room like a judge delivering a verdict.


    With a soft chime, the tablets blink to life, flooding the screen with the first set of problems. The light from the screen casts a faint glow on my hands, and just like that, the world shrinks to equations and numbers, pushing all other thoughts aside.


    The tablet screen flickers to life, and within moments, several complex calculus problems flood the interface. A hushed wave of concentration settles over the room as students hunch over their desks, fingers gliding across screens and styluses tapping rhythmically like raindrops against glass. The weight of the exam presses down on us, but for Fei and me, this is nothing new. Just like in our previous written tests, we¡¯ll be sharing our grades with our WAIFU partners.


    With a hundred questions to tackle, we¡¯ve already split the workload¡ªan unspoken agreement formed through countless study sessions. I take responsibility for problems 1 to 50, while Fei handles 51 to 100. The division feels natural, effortless. As we work, I can sense how in sync we are, solving equations at nearly the same pace, like two musicians playing in perfect harmony.


    Then, I hit a wall. My stylus hovers over the screen as my mind scrambles to recall a crucial formula. I exhale sharply, furrowing my brows.


    Navier-Stokes Equation¡­ what was that middle part again? I glance toward Fei, who is diligently solving her set of problems, her lips pursed in thought.


    ¡°Fei,¡± I whisper, leaning slightly toward her. ¡°Do you remember the Navier-Stokes Equation? I kinda blanked out on the middle part.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Fei blinks, then smiles, a quiet confidence in her expression. ¡°Let me take that one. Let¡¯s swap tablets¡ªyou do the rest of mine.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    In one smooth motion, we exchange our devices and notes. I scan her problems, relieved to find that I can handle them without much difficulty. Meanwhile, Fei, with her sharp intuition for advanced calculus, dives into the equations I struggled with, her stylus gliding across the screen with precision. There''s no hesitation in her movements¡ªthis is her forte, after all. I trust her completely.


    Time slips away as we work, numbers and symbols filling our screens like pieces of a vast, intricate puzzle. Then, after what feels like both an eternity and an instant, the sharp ring of the bell slices through the silence, signaling the end of the exam. I set my stylus down, stretching my fingers as a wave of relief washes over me.


    I finish ahead of time, but Fei, ever the perfectionist, takes the last few minutes to meticulously double-check our answers. I watch her briefly, amused by her unwavering focus, before leaning back in my chair. The calculus exam had been grueling, but with Fei by my side, it had felt more like a strategic battle¡ªone we had conquered together.


    ¡°Time¡¯s up,¡± Doctor Gremus announced, his sharp voice cutting through the lingering tension in the room. ¡°Upload your answers.¡±


    A flurry of taps echoed as we submitted our exams. Within seconds, our scores flashed onto our respective tablets. My eyes widened. 100 out of 100. Perfect. Every equation, every derivative, every integral¡ªflawless. It was as if every late-night study session, every painstaking calculation, had led to this moment of absolute precision.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    ¡°Congratulations, Mister Callahan and Miss Xian,¡± Doctor Gremus said, his usual stern demeanor softening just a fraction. ¡°You two aced the test with a perfect score.¡± His lips curled into something vaguely resembling a smile¡ªa rare sight, considering his reputation as one of the most feared professors in Orbital Tech.


    A wave of cheers erupted around us.


    ¡°Wow! Congratulations!¡± our classmates called out, their voices a mix of admiration and disbelief.


    ¡°T-thank you, Doctor.¡± Fei and I instinctively bowed in unison, the words slipping out at the exact same time. As we straightened, our eyes met, and we couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. It was one of those small, unspoken moments of camaraderie that made everything feel lighter.


    Then, almost reflexively, my gaze flickered toward Neil. Was he still glaring daggers at me? But instead of his usual deathly stare, he remained motionless in his seat, eyes fixed elsewhere, completely indifferent to our achievement. His cold silence lingered in the air like a shadow. Still bitter over nothing, huh? It was frustrating. A misunderstanding shouldn¡¯t have led to this unyielding wall between us, but here we were.


    Shaking the thought away, I turned my attention to another familiar figure¡ªMyrrh. She sat just a table away from Neil, her expression a portrait of frustration. She ruffled her hair in exasperation, her stylus nearly slipping from her fingers. Beside her, Kian, her new partner, gave her a sympathetic pat on the shoulder, offering a reassuring smile.


    I exhaled through my nose, amused. Another tragedy in advanced calculus, huh? Myrrh just couldn¡¯t catch a break with this subject.


    Poor bitch.


    <><><>


    The final bell rang, its chime echoing through the lecture hall and signaling the end of the day. A collective rustling filled the air as students began packing their things, the scrape of chairs and the muffled chatter blending into the usual post-class commotion.


    Just as I slung my bag over my shoulder, a familiar voice called my name.


    ¡°Zaft.¡±


    I turned to see Fei standing there, her hands clasped together in front of her. Her expression was warm, appreciative.


    ¡°Thank you for solving my half of the problems earlier,¡± she said with a polite bow. ¡°I definitely wouldn¡¯t have finished without you.¡±


    I chuckled, waving off her gratitude. ¡°It was just give and take. You covered the formulas I forgot, so I owe you one too.¡±


    Fei grinned, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. ¡°Good work for both of us then!¡± She pumped her fists in victory.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± I nodded, sharing in her energy.


    A faint buzzing sound broke the moment. Fei blinked and muttered, ¡°Oh,¡± before pulling out her phone. Her gaze flickered across the screen, her expression shifting from neutral to faintly troubled. After a brief pause, she sighed, tapped the screen to turn it off, and stuffed the device back into her pocket.


    ¡°I¡¯d love to hang out and grab something to eat,¡± she said, frowning slightly. ¡°But I have to take care of some things.¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s fine,¡± I replied, waving a hand dismissively. ¡°We can hang out another time.¡±


    Her face lit up again, and she clapped her hands together. ¡°It¡¯s a promise then!¡±


    With that, she slung her shoulder bag over her arm and took a few steps back before giving me one final, cheerful wave.


    ¡°Bye-bye!¡±


    ¡°Bye¡ª!¡±


    ¡°Eeek!¡±


    Just as Fei turned to sprint off, her foot snagged against the leg of her own chair. Her balance shattered in an instant, and she pitched forward, arms flailing. Before she could hit the ground, my reflexes took over. I lunged forward, catching her just in time.


    Her slim body pressed against my arm, my grip firm enough to keep her steady. But then¡ªoh, no.


    A soft sensation against my left hand sent a jolt of panic through me. My brain short-circuited for a second before realization struck like a lightning bolt. Her left breast.


    I jerked my hand away like I had touched fire, my heart lurching into my throat. Crap, crap, crap.


    ¡°A-are you okay?¡± I stammered, quickly helping her regain her footing while doing my best to avoid any further accidents. My left hand, now metaphorically tainted, curled behind my back as if hiding it could erase what just happened.


    Fei, still flustered, clutched her chest protectively. ¡°I-I¡¯m fine.¡± A rosy blush bloomed across her cheeks. ¡°T-thank you for that.¡±


    ¡°Y-yeah, I-I¡¯m sorry about¡­¡± I trailed off, my words barely escaping my throat. ¡°I swear it wasn¡¯t on purpose.¡±


    For a moment, I braced myself for the worst¡ªa slap, a scolding, or even an accusation. But instead, Fei¡¯s tense expression softened. Her lips curled into a small, understanding smile.


    ¡°Ah, no, no. You saved me from face-planting on the floor, so it¡¯s fine,¡± she said, waving it off. ¡°I¡¯m in a hurry, so I¡¯ll be going now!¡±


    ¡°Oh, uh¡ªtake care¡­¡± I forced a nervous smile, still feeling the phantom imprint of disaster on my palm.


    Without another word, Fei took off again, dashing out of the classroom. Please, just don¡¯t trip again.


    I exhaled sharply, running a hand through my hair as the adrenaline slowly ebbed away. That was close. A little too close. If it had been anyone else, I might¡¯ve been branded a pervert on the spot.


    As the classroom emptied, a different thought crossed my mind. Why was she in such a hurry, anyway? Despite how well we got along, I realized just how little I actually knew about Fei Xian. Our conversations rarely touched on personal histories, even though we clicked as naturally as bread and cheese.


    I sighed, shaking off the lingering awkwardness. One thing at a time. Right now, I was just relieved I had narrowly escaped being labeled a breast-groper.


    ¡°Hey, breast-groper.¡±


    A familiar feminine voice, laced with cool amusement.


    A cold shiver crept down my spine as I turned my head forward. There stood Myrrh, arms crossed just below her ample chest, her blue eyes glinting with something between mockery and mild disgust.


    I stiffened. ¡°It was an accident, I promise!¡± I shrieked, raising my hands as if to physically ward off an impending execution.


    ¡°Pfft.¡±


    Myrrh scoffed, her serious expression cracking like fragile glass. A second later, she broke into a smirk, completely dropping the pretense.


    I exhaled in relief, pressing a hand to my chest. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s just you. What¡¯s up?¡±


    Still grinning, Myrrh held up her phone, the screen illuminated with a message I didn¡¯t bother to read. She tapped it lightly with her finger.


    ¡°Agent Feena is summoning us to the KAWAII office.¡±


    ¡°Right now?¡± I asked, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Is it about our internship?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Myrrh confirmed, a rare smile tugging at her lips. ¡°She said this will be our first official day as bona fide WAIFUs and support unit.¡±

 Chapter 71 - The Void Box

    Chapter 71 - The Void Box


    As Myrrh and I strolled through the sleek, neon-lit corridors of Orbital Tech, an awkward silence lingered between us, stretching with every step. The faint hum of distant machinery and the occasional flicker of holographic advertisements filled the space, but neither of us spoke. That is, until Myrrh decided to break the silence with a smirk, her blue eyes glinting mischievously under the artificial light.


    ¡°Oh, congratulations to you and Fei for topping the calculus exams earlier,¡± she said, her tone carrying a playful edge.


    I glanced at her and shrugged, offering a small smile. ¡°Thanks, but Fei did most of the heavy lifting for both of us.¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s smirk deepened. She leaned in, tilting her head as if studying my expression, her face inching dangerously close to mine. The scent of her faintly citrusy perfume mixed with the sterilized, metallic air of the corridor.


    ¡°Mmm¡­¡± she hummed, her eyes narrowing with teasing amusement.


    I took an instinctive step back, brow twitching. ¡°What?¡± I asked, irritation creeping into my voice. Her proximity was unnerving.


    She pulled away, pouting slightly, before crossing her arms. ¡°Nothing. It¡¯s just that you seem awfully proud of your new WAIFU partner,¡± she remarked, arching a brow. ¡°You give him more credit than you ever gave your previous partner. You didn¡¯t even congratulate me after the rollerblade practical exam.¡±


    I exhaled through my nose, already sensing where this was going. ¡°Oh, belated congratulations to you and Kian as well for acing the practical exam,¡± I said, forcing a smile.


    Myrrh¡¯s expression instantly brightened. She puffed out her chest, her long hair swaying as she grinned proudly. ¡°That was five days too late, but I¡¯ll accept your praise,¡± she said with a dramatic nod. ¡°Not that it was anything difficult¡ªit¡¯s just a basic skill.¡±


    I rolled my eyes and turned away, muttering under my breath, ¡°That¡¯s exactly why I don¡¯t praise you. It goes straight to your head and inflate your ego.¡±


    ¡°Did you say something, Zaft?¡± Myrrh tilted her head, her long greenish blonde hair swaying slightly as she gave me a curious look.


    ¡°No, nothing,¡± I replied casually, though my smirk betrayed me. Then, folding my arms, I decided to poke back. ¡°I bet you¡¯re pretty comfortable with your new support unit, huh? What was his name again? Kian¡­ Citrus?¡±


    ¡°Kian Cyprus,¡± Myrrh corrected with an exaggerated eye roll. ¡°And yes, he¡¯s a cool, kind, and handsome guy¡ªnot to mention respectable too,¡± she added with a proud grin, tilting her chin up. ¡°I can totally see our partnership working well for the finals¡­ except for advanced calculus.¡± Her smile stretched into something that could only be described as dog-like, as if she was hoping I''d ignore that last part.


    Unfortunately for her, I hadn¡¯t forgotten. The image of Myrrh furiously scratching her head in frustration when the calculus exam results flashed on our screens was still fresh in my mind. Judging by that reaction, she had met a particularly terrible fate with that subject¡ªbut I couldn¡¯t resist asking anyway.


    ¡°So¡­ how was that exam earlier?¡± I asked, smirking.


    Myrrh exhaled dramatically. ¡°Terrible,¡± she admitted, rubbing the back of her head. ¡°I only got two answers right.¡±


    I nearly choked. ¡°Two out of fifty!?¡± My eyes widened in disbelief.


    Myrrh¡¯s face turned red in an instant. She frantically glanced around, making sure no passing students had overheard my outburst. Luckily, we had already exited the bustling corridors and were now making our way toward the KAWAII office building. The area was quieter, with only a handful of people walking nearby, but Myrrh still shot me a warning glare.


    ¡°Keep it down!¡± she hissed, puffing her cheeks.


    "Pfft!" I chuckled under my breath, savoring the rare moment of catching her off guard.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah, laugh it up,¡± Myrrh groaned, dramatically throwing her arms up. ¡°Advanced calculus is the bane of my existence.¡±


    I chuckled at her misery. ¡°What about Kian? How did he do on the exam?¡±


    She sighed, rolling her shoulders as if shaking off the weight of defeat. ¡°He got fairly good marks. But with my score, I¡¯m pretty sure we dragged the class average down.¡± She frowned, crossing her arms. ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t think we¡¯re really compatible when it comes to exams. In practicals, his instructions are all over the place, so I have to do most of the work. But in written exams, I¡¯m the one slowing us down.¡±Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°At least you two balance each other out,¡± I teased, reaching out to ruffle her hair like she was some pitiful child. ¡°A perfect match¡ªdisorganized in one area, disastrous in another.¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s cheeks puffed in irritation as she swatted my hand away. ¡°Shut up.¡± Then, narrowing her eyes, she smirked. ¡°Good for you, though. You have Fei. I knew you were wishing for her to be your WAIFU, you homewrecking third-party cheater.¡±


    I nearly stumbled at the accusation. ¡°I¡¯m not a homewrecker!¡± I exclaimed, flailing my arms in protest. ¡°I got dragged into a love triangle I never signed up for!¡±


    ¡°Hmph.¡± Myrrh shot me a skeptical glare, tapping a finger against her chin. ¡°You sure seem very happy talking to her every morning.¡±


    I scoffed. ¡°Oh, please. You¡¯re one to talk. You always look like a giddy schoolgirl when Kian¡¯s around. Practically wagging your tail.¡±


    Her glare deepened. My pout intensified.


    The silent stare-off between us stretched on, charged with unspoken arguments and exaggerated offense, until finally, we both turned away with synchronized hmphs!


    A strange, uncomfortable air settled between us. Our usual playful banter had faded into silence, replaced by an unspoken tension. Were we¡­ jealous of each other?


    I didn¡¯t want to admit it, but something about seeing Myrrh so at ease with her new partner¡ªsmiling, laughing¡ªsent a sharp, pinching ache through my chest. It was irrational. It was stupid. And yet, it was there.


    Thankfully, we had reached the KAWAII office before either of us had to dwell on the awkwardness any longer. I stepped forward and pulled the door open, making a half-hearted attempt at chivalry. Myrrh hesitated for a second before walking in, her expression unreadable.


    The moment we entered, we were met by a tall, slender woman at the front desk. Her pink hair cascaded in neat waves over her shoulders, complementing her well-fitted office dress. With an air of effortless confidence, she smiled at us¡ªthough there was a knowing glint in her sharp eyes.


    ¡°Good afternoon, Myrrh Alicent and Zaft Callahan.¡± Agent Feena Arcaliburn greeted us smoothly. Then, as if she could sniff out our tension like a bloodhound, her lips curled into a teasing grin. ¡°Hmm¡­ what¡¯s this I¡¯m sensing between you two? A lover¡¯s quarrel?¡±


    ¡°W-We¡¯re not lovers!¡± Myrrh stammered, fists clenching at her sides as her cheeks turned a faint shade of red.


    ¡°We¡¯re not quarreling either!¡± I quickly added. ¡°We were just¡­ providing constructive criticism to each other.¡±


    ¡°Ohhh, really?¡± Myrrh tilted her head, her smirk returning. ¡°Because it really sounded like jealousy to me.¡±


    ¡°I¡ªI¡¯m not jealous!¡± I shot back, feeling my face heat up.


    ¡°Ahem.¡±


    Agent Feena cleared her throat, commanding our attention with a single, graceful gesture. She folded her hands on the desk, amusement still dancing in her eyes.


    ¡°I know a lover¡¯s spat is just a minor obstacle in a lovey-dovey relationship,¡± she said with mock seriousness, ¡°but perhaps you two should get a private room to sort it out. For now, however, I have more pressing matters to discuss.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Myrrh and I echoed in unison, blinking in confusion. Our gazes met for a brief moment before shifting toward Agent Feena¡¯s striking emerald eyes, which gleamed with a knowing amusement.


    Without another word, Feena tapped her sleek tablet, causing a holographic projection to materialize above her desk. The image was eerie¡ªfloating in the vast darkness of space was a massive, jagged asteroid, its rough surface marred with deep cracks. At its core stood four towering pillars, symmetrically encasing a perfectly smooth, pitch-black cube. The cube itself shimmered with an unnatural, starlike glimmer, as if entire galaxies were trapped within its void-like depths.


    Myrrh tilted her head, brows furrowing. ¡°What is this?¡± she murmured. ¡°It looks¡­ mystical.¡±


    Feena leaned back slightly, crossing one leg over the other. ¡°That,¡± she said, her voice taking on a serious tone, ¡°is what we¡¯re here to identify.¡± Her gaze flickered between the two of us. ¡°This is the primary reason I recruited you both¡ªto investigate the anomaly known as the Void Box, located within the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.¡±


    I exhaled sharply, rubbing my temples. ¡°Wait, wait, wait. So this entire thing was planned from the start? You mean to tell me that us knowing the Licensure Examinations Tournament, getting fast-tracked into the Intelligence Division¡­ all of that was just to investigate some weird space cube?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    "So we just got scammed and bamboozled." I sighed.


    "Definitely not." Agent Feena said with a smile akin to a mannequin.


    "All just for a mysterious space box. I bet there''s a sign that says ''YOU LOSE!''  inside of it."


    Feena suddenly broke her composed demeanor, placing her hands on her cheeks and sticking out her tongue in an exaggerated teehee pose, trying to look cute. ¡°Who knows? Maybe it¡¯s hiding priceless treasures¡ªdiamond deposits, ancient relics, or even gold coins left behind by space pirates?¡±


    ¡°Whaaa!¡± Myrrh¡¯s eyes sparkled like a child in a candy store. ¡°Gold coins from space pirates?! If that¡¯s the case, I¡¯m totally in! I could pay off my mom¡¯s medical bills with just one good haul!¡±


    I groaned, side-eyeing her. ¡°Calm down, gold digger.¡± Then, straightening up, I turned back to Feena with a more serious expression. ¡°But really, what does this have to do with us?¡±


    Feena¡¯s teasing smile faded as she swiped her tablet, zooming in on the cube. ¡°The Void Box has been baffling researchers for over five years. No probe, no laser, no explosion has managed to crack it open. But¡­¡± she paused for effect, her gaze sharpening, ¡°¡­I have reason to believe that your Weapons of Mass Destruction Series might be the key to unlocking it.¡±


    A weight settled in my chest. Myrrh, too, stiffened beside me, her earlier excitement giving way to something more cautious.


    Whatever this Void Box was¡­ it wasn¡¯t just some forgotten space relic.

 Chapter 72 - Deep Space Voyage

    Chapter 72 - Deep Space Voyage


    This is my first time wearing a white-and-blue space bodysuit, and the moment I slip into it, I feel how snugly it clings to my body. The soft cyber fabric molds itself to every contour, wrapping around me like a second skin. Though it looks sleek and form-fitting, the material is surprisingly comfortable, allowing me to move freely.


    Embedded in the back are padded compartments, housing a deployable jetpack that hums faintly with potential energy. Completing the ensemble is a sleek helmet, its aerodynamic design reminiscent of a high-tech motorcycle visor, its tinted glass reflecting the bright lights of the KAWAII fitting room.


    Stepping out, my eyes immediately lock onto Myrrh, who stands confidently in her own version of the space suit¡ªthough hers is even more revealing. Designed like a futuristic one-piece, the suit leaves her long, slender white legs bare, exposing her toned shoulders and smooth underarms.


    She wears detached gloves that reach above her elbows, and her boots, which extend past her knees, gleam with a cybernetic sheen. The design accentuates her figure in a way that seems almost intentional, the fabric sculpting around her ample curves with an almost artistic precision.


    ¡°For some reason, this fits better than my school bodysuit,¡± Myrrh muses, stretching her arms before placing a hand on her hip. ¡°But it¡¯s a lot more revealing. Not that I mind, though. It''s a good way to display my perfect body.¡±


    She speaks to Agent Feena, who stands nearby in the same bodysuit¡ªthough hers is a white-and-pink variation. The uniform hugs Feena¡¯s slim figure just as snugly, and though she has a different body type, the effect is just as alluring. Her natural grace, combined with the suit¡¯s bold design, gives her an undeniable charm, one that borders on dangerously seductive.


    Whoever designed these suits is a pervert. A genius pervert. They definitely deserve a raise.


    ¡°Wow, you really are sexy in that suit,¡± Agent Feena remarks with an approving smile before shifting her gaze to me. ¡°Oh, you too, Zaft!¡±


    When Myrrh turned to look at me, her lips parted slightly, eyes widening in what I could only describe as stunned silence. She gave me a slow, deliberate once-over, her gaze sweeping from my head to my toes like a fashion critic sizing up a runway model. I braced myself for a snide remark¡ªsomething sharp and teasing¡ªbut instead, she just stood there, quiet.


    ¡°How do you feel about our KAWAII space suit?¡± Agent Feena asked, breaking the silence.


    I flexed my arms slightly, feeling the suit¡¯s tight embrace. ¡°Rubbery,¡± I muttered. ¡°It fits perfectly, sure, but I don¡¯t think it¡¯s breathable. My buttcheeks are already sweating because it¡¯s so airtight.¡±


    Agent Feena let out a light laugh. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that, Zaft. The vacuum of space is freezing, and this cyber fiber suit is designed to retain body heat. You¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    I sighed, adjusting my stance. ¡°Now I know what WAIFU feels like in those ridiculously tight bodysuits,¡± I muttered with a forced smile.


    ¡°Damn right you do.¡± Myrrh finally broke her silence, her tone laced with sass.


    Agent Feena clapped her hands. ¡°Anyway, we need to board our KAWAII spaceship. Let¡¯s go.¡± She turned, leading the way to the hangar.


    As we walked, I noticed something odd¡ªMyrrh was deliberately keeping pace just behind me, her footsteps light but constant. I glanced back at her, catching the slight curve of her lips¡ªa smirk, mischievous and knowing.


    ¡°What?¡± I narrowed my eyes at her, scrunching my face in suspicion.


    ¡°Nice ass,¡± Myrrh scoffed, her voice dripping with smug amusement.


    ¡°Stop looking!¡± I yelped, instinctively covering my backside with both hands. ¡°I feel violated!¡±


    Myrrh folded her arms, tilting her head with a smirk. ¡°Oh, please. You¡¯ve spent more time staring at my breasts and crotch than you¡¯d ever admit¡ªduring our practical exams, during the tournament, even during the rollerblade test. I caught you every single time.¡± She leaned in slightly, her grin widening. ¡°This is just payback.¡±


    ¡°Stop looking, pervert!¡± I cried again, stepping away from her prying eyes.


    ¡°You¡¯re one to talk,¡± Myrrh shot back with a playful glint in her eyes. ¡°It takes one to know one! And by the way¡ªthere¡¯s a pretty big bulge on your front.¡±


    ¡°What!?¡± My voice cracked as panic surged through me. Without thinking, I clapped my hands over my crotch, suddenly hyper-aware of the suit¡¯s tight fit. Was it actually noticeable? Was I imagining things? Either way, there was no way I¡¯d give Myrrh the satisfaction of seeing me flustered.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    I needed to counterattack. My gaze darted downward, and I blurted out the first thing that came to mind. ¡°Your thigh gap is even wider than before.¡±


    Myrrh gasped. ¡°Why you¡ª!¡± Her hands shot down to cover her own vulnerable spot. Her face turned red as she glared daggers at me. ¡°You are a certified sexual harassment professional, you know that?¡±


    ¡°Now, now, settle down, kids,¡± Agent Feena interjected, stepping onto the hovering platform with the patience of a weary mother dealing with unruly children.


    I turned away hastily, my face burning, doing everything I could to avoid seeing Myrrh¡¯s triumphant smirk. She and I stepped onto the same platform, the anti-gravity system humming softly as it lifted us toward the main hangar.


    When we reached the top, three sleek, triangle-shaped spaceships stood waiting, their reflective surfaces gleaming under the hangar¡¯s bright lights. Without hesitation, Agent Feena entered the nearest one, Myrrh following close behind. Taking a deep breath, I was the last to step inside.


    ¡°I bet this will be your first time operating in space,¡± Agent Feena remarked, her voice carrying an amused edge. ¡°But trust me, once you get used to floating in your WAIFU form, you¡¯ll start hating gravity. It just feels restrictive after this.¡±


    She turned to me, her expression shifting to something more serious. ¡°As for you, Zaft, you¡¯ll have to stay inside this ship. Make sure the cable to your suit is always connected. If you lose that tether¡­¡± She gestured vaguely to the vastness outside the ship¡¯s reinforced glass window. ¡°You¡¯ll drift endlessly into the void of the universe.¡±


    A cold shiver ran down my spine. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ comforting.¡± Then another thought struck me. I frowned. ¡°Wait, are we the only ones going to the asteroid belt? Just the three of us?¡±


    ¡°No. Four.¡±


    A new voice cut through the air just as the bridge lights flickered in synchronized pulses. At the center of the cockpit, a sleek captain¡¯s chair swiveled around, revealing a slim man in his late twenties. He wore a baseball cap emblazoned with the Superman logo, its brim casting a shadow over his sharp features. A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he leaned forward, resting an elbow on the armrest.


    ¡°Hello, fellow kids,¡± he greeted, his voice laced with an unmistakable air of self-satisfaction. ¡°I¡¯ll be your pilot for this mission.¡±


    Agent Feena gestured toward him with a weary but resigned expression. ¡°This is Agent Steve Nawakita, one of our pilots in the KAWAII division. He¡¯s a graduate of Orbital Tech Applied Kinetics University, specializing as a support unit.¡±


    ¡°Are you kids excited?¡± Agent Steve clapped his hands together, his grin widening. ¡°We¡¯re about to go to the one place that hasn¡¯t been corrupted by capitalism¡­ SPACE!¡±


    A thick silence followed.


    ¡°Uh, haha¡­¡± Agent Feena let out a nervous chuckle, rubbing the back of her head. ¡°Agent Steve had an undercover assignment against a corrupt communist politician in Yerax, and, uh¡­ he¡¯s still in his deactivated sleeper agent mode. So, please bear with him.¡±


    I exchanged a look with Myrrh. She raised an eyebrow. I sighed. This was going to be interesting.


    ¡°I am not brainwashed,¡± Agent Steve insisted, adjusting his Superman cap as he leaned forward. ¡°You see, capitalism is really the source of all evil¡ª¡±


    A loud smack echoed through the cockpit as Agent Feena delivered a sharp slap to the back of his head. Leaning in close, she whispered, just loud enough for Myrrh and me to catch, ¡°Don¡¯t embarrass our office in front of the interns.¡±


    Agent Steve stiffened, immediately snapping into a salute. ¡°Y-yes, ma¡¯am!¡±


    Myrrh and I stood there in stunned silence. The reality of our situation slowly settled in, like an old operating system booting up. Little by little, the word ¡°regret¡± is being registered into my brain.


    We really should have taken the Vanguard¡¯s offer. Hell, we should have just thrown the last match in the Licensure Examinations Tournament and called it a day. This intelligence division called KAWAII was so weird.


    ¡°A-anyway!¡± Agent Feena clapped her hands together, her previous outburst erased as if it had never happened. ¡°We will now fly to the Void Box, so please take a seat and strap in.¡±


    Without hesitation, Myrrh and I found the nearest seats and buckled ourselves in. Agent Feena took the seat beside me, securing herself as well.


    Agent Steve, regaining his composure, switched to the radio and began rattling off military aviation callouts¡ªhalf of which sounded like complete gibberish to me. I didn¡¯t even bother trying to understand. The only thing that really registered was when our spaceship was moved to the launching bay, revealing the brilliant afternoon sky beyond the hangar doors.


    ¡°Runway clear. Catapult clear. Thrusters clear. KAWAII Land Orbital Logistics Interceptor launching in three¡­ two¡­ one¡­¡±


    A sharp, high-pitched beep rang through the cockpit.


    And then¡ªBOOM!


    The ship exploded forward.


    No, launched wasn¡¯t the right word. It tore through space, propelled by tachyon technology that made light-speed feel sluggish in comparison. My body was forced back into my seat as the sheer force of acceleration gripped me, my vision blurring at the edges. Even though the inertial dampeners were absorbing most of the pressure, I still felt like I was being shot out of a railgun.


    And just like that¡ªmere seconds later¡ªwe had escaped Xyraxis'' gravity well and reached the void.


    Darkness stretched infinitely in every direction, vast and overwhelming, save for the shimmering glow of distant stars scattered across the abyss. The KAWAII spaceship pulsed with a soft luminescence, its advanced lighting system illuminating a five-kilometer radius around us, casting eerie reflections off the metallic debris of abandoned satellites and space junk.


    I inhaled sharply, pressing my palm against the cold glass of the viewport. ¡°W-wow¡­¡±


    And there it was¡ªright before us.


    The asteroid belt.


    A sprawling, endless field of ancient celestial bodies, each tumbling lazily through the void like frozen remnants of a long-forgotten war. Some asteroids were small as pebbles, others as large as entire cities. Their jagged, craggy surfaces shimmered under the distant starlight, casting deep shadows that stretched for kilometers.


    This was my first real deep-space voyage¡ªwell, aside from my initial trip from Earth to Xyraxis. But this¡­ this felt different.


    For the first time since stepping aboard, I truly felt like I was in space.

 Chapter 73 - Trial by Fire

    Chapter 73 - Trial by Fire


    The vast expanse of deep space stretches infinitely, a boundless ocean of darkness speckled with distant, glimmering stars. The cold is palpable, a quiet, creeping chill that seeps through the ship¡¯s reinforced walls. The sun is barely more than a pale ember, swallowed by the cosmic abyss.


    Unbuckling my seatbelt, I release myself into the weightlessness of space travel. Instantly, my body lifts, drifting into the air with a slow, deliberate tilt. There¡¯s an odd sensation¡ªmy limbs feel impossibly light, yet a creeping unease coils in my chest, as if I¡¯m in a never-ending fall. The lack of gravity is exhilarating, but it also sends a shiver of panic through me.


    This is only my second time in deep space, the first being my journey aboard the space bus from Earth to Xyraxis. Back then, the experience had been fleeting¡ªseatbelts locked tight, the journey through the void lasting mere minutes before the artificial gravity of Xyraxis took over. There had been no time to savor the sheer vastness of space, no opportunity to feel its strange, weightless embrace.


    But now? Now, I am truly immersed in it. I can stretch my arms and spin freely, unshackled by gravity. This is what I imagined space travel would be like¡ªliberating, infinite, surreal.


    Nearby, Agent Feena secures her long pink hair into a ponytail, tying it with a practiced ease to keep it from floating wildly. With a small smile, she plucks two extra hair ties from her wrist and hands them to Myrrh.


    ¡°Here, take these.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Agent Feena,¡± Myrrh replies, her lips curving into a soft smile as she gathers her vibrant blonde-green hair and twists it into twintails. The delicate movement of her hands seems almost slow, deliberate, as if every action in zero gravity requires extra care.


    Agent Feena drifts toward the front of the cabin, a confident glimmer in her eyes. Turning to face us, she clasps her hands together and gestures beyond the ship¡¯s viewing panel.


    ¡°Welcome to the asteroid belt of our solar system,¡± she announces. ¡°We¡¯re currently floating between Mars and Jupiter. The Void Box is approximately three thousand kilometers ahead, but at our current speed, we¡¯ll reach it in about fifteen minutes. In the meantime, feel free to relax. There¡¯s a coffee machine and a cookie baker to the right if you need a snack. And if you start feeling motion sickness, the lavatory is on the left.¡±


    I nod, still adjusting to the disorienting thrill of weightlessness. ¡°Got it.¡±


    I suddenly realize that my body has flipped upside down, my legs loosely crossed in an awkward, floating Indian-sitting position. The disorienting sensation makes my stomach churn, and before I can even attempt to fix it, I catch Agent Feena¡¯s bemused stare. Her sharp green eyes narrow slightly, her expression hovering between amusement and mild exasperation.


    Feeling a rush of embarrassment, I decide to "swim" my way back into a proper position. I move my arms and legs, attempting to paddle through the air like I would in water, but instead of steadying myself, I end up flailing uselessly, spinning ever so slightly. My movements only worsen the situation, making me feel like a helpless, upturned turtle.


    ¡°Help!¡± I yelp, my voice carrying an edge of desperation.


    ¡°You doofus,¡± Myrrh groans with a sigh. With a swift push off her chair, she glides through the air effortlessly, reaching out her hand toward me. ¡°Here!¡±


    Her fingers are just out of reach, hovering in front of me like salvation. I stretch my arm as far as I can, but the zero gravity betrays me. Before her hand gets close enough, one of her twintails drifts toward me first, its green strands floating like a delicate ribbon caught in a slow current.


    Without thinking, I grab onto it.


    ¡°Ow! My scalp!¡± Myrrh yelps in pain as my sudden tug pulls her closer.


    ¡°S-Sorry!¡± I stammer, letting go as quickly as I grabbed it. I finally manage to clasp her hand properly, and with Myrrh¡¯s careful guidance, she pulls me toward the nearest surface and stabilizes me back near my chair.


    Agent Feena crosses her arms, watching the scene unfold with an amused smirk. She places a hand on her hip and then turns her gaze to Myrrh. ¡°That was smooth, Miss Alicent. You seem to handle zero gravity flawlessly. Impressive.¡±


    Myrrh beams, her usual confident smile returning. ¡°My mom and dad used to go on space probe explorations around Saturn¡¯s rings as a field trip, so this isn¡¯t my first rodeo.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps you can teach Zaft here how to navigate through zero gravity,¡± Agent Feena mused, arms still crossed as she watched me struggle to maintain my balance.


    ¡°Will do. I can¡¯t just leave this donkey behind, can I?¡± Myrrh said with a sigh, her lips curving into a smile laced with second-hand embarrassment.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Agent Feena¡¯s smirk sharpened as she tilted her head ever so slightly. ¡°He¡¯s your boyfriend, after all.¡±


    Both Myrrh and I stiffened instantly, our faces heating up as if we had been thrown into the sun. Myrrh shot me a glare, her lips forming a tight, zigzagged frown¡ªa clear sign of frustration mixed with something else. We both knew Agent Feena had been teasing us since the day we met, and by now, we had learned that retorting only fueled her amusement. Still, what surprised me the most was Myrrh¡¯s lack of an immediate, loud denial.


    Before I could dwell on it any further, a sudden shift in the atmosphere made my skin prickle. The ship¡¯s red warning lights flared to life, casting the cabin in an ominous crimson glow. A shrill beeping sound followed, breaking the lighthearted mood in an instant.


    Agent Feena spun on her heel, her playful smirk vanishing as she turned toward our pilot, Agent Steve. ¡°What¡¯s the situation?¡±


    Agent Steve¡¯s fingers flew across the control panel, his brow furrowed in concentration. ¡°A Cosmic Beast has been detected in the asteroid belt. According to our cosmic radar, it¡¯s a swarm-type.¡±


    ¡°A swarm-type¡­?¡± I muttered, the term unfamiliar yet unsettling.


    Agent Feena glanced over her shoulder at me, her expression shifting into one of mild realization. ¡°Oh, right. Cosmic Beast classifications are second-year curriculum.¡± She turned fully, planting her hands on her hips as she explained. ¡°Swarm-type Cosmic Beasts are creatures capable of multiplying themselves into smaller, autonomous minions. We call the lesser creatures ¡®drones,¡¯ while the main entity controlling them is known as the ¡®queen¡¯ or ¡®broodmother.¡¯¡±


    ¡°Like bees,¡± Myrrh remarked, her voice calm but thoughtful.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Agent Feena nodded in agreement before turning her attention to the cockpit. A confident smirk played on her lips as she addressed our pilot. ¡°This will be a good trial by fire for our interns. Let¡¯s go get ¡¯em.¡±


    ¡°Roger that, captain,¡± Agent Steve replied, offering a crisp salute before gripping the controls.


    The moment he engaged the thrusters, our ship surged forward at a breakneck pace, slicing through the void like a comet. Yet, despite the incredible speed, I felt nothing¡ªno lurch, no pressure, no turbulence. It was eerily smooth, like cruising down a perfectly paved highway in a high-end luxury car. The only true indicator of our rapid movement was the shifting asteroid field visible through the windscreen, the floating rocks streaking past us like silent sentinels of the cosmos.


    ¡°Oh, before I forget,¡± Agent Feena said, reaching into a compartment and pulling out a sleek blue device resembling a futuristic phone case. She handed it to Myrrh. ¡°This is the Titanium Shielding Utility Nexus. Install it on your morpher, and your Frame Unit will get an extra layer of protection.¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± Myrrh said with a nod, slipping her morpher into the case. It snapped into place seamlessly, fitting like it was custom-made for her.


    Then, Agent Feena turned to me. She held up her own morpher¡ªa sleek, white-and-pink device that now sported the same blue shielding. ¡°Zaft,¡± she said, her gaze steady. ¡°Since Steve¡¯s handling the ship, I¡¯ll be counting on your support. Register me through your WEEB.¡±


    I nodded and brought my smartwatch close to her morpher. The device chimed, and a bright blue holographic notification flickered to life between us.


    [WAIFU Link Initialized]


    [Rebooting Weaponry Enhanced Engineering Bios]


    [WAIFU: Feena Arcaliburn Registered]


    As the system finalized the link, Agent Feena suddenly leaned in, her face hovering just inches from mine. Her sharp pink eyes glimmered with something unreadable¡ªhalf-mischief, half-seriousness.


    ¡°Oh, and Zaft?¡± she whispered, her voice dipping into something almost conspiratorial. ¡°If you ever activate the Weapons of Mass Destruction series, don¡¯t hesitate to equip it for me, okay?¡±


    My stomach tensed. ¡°A-are you sure?¡± I forced a smile, unsure whether she was joking or not.


    Agent Feena¡¯s smirk widened. ¡°Actually, I take that back.¡± She tapped my chest lightly with a finger before winking. ¡°Just let me borrow one of your weapons instead. Preferrably one awesome big sword.¡±


    ¡°Okey-dokey,¡± I said, still unsure if I should be concerned or relieved.


    ¡°You¡¯re the best!¡± she cheered before reaching out and pinching my cheek with playful roughness. ¡°Don¡¯t go getting yourself killed, though. If you ever feel weird, feel free to deactivate the WEEB.¡± She finally released me, then turned toward Myrrh. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get to the launch pods.¡±


    ¡°Roger!¡± Myrrh nodded sharply.


    Without another word, the two WAIFUs floated effortlessly toward the central steel door. The pressurized locks hissed open, and with a final glance back, they disappeared into the corridor.


    I exhaled, turning back to the windscreen just as we finally made visual contact with the Cosmic Beast.


    A massive, grotesque squid-like creature loomed in the distance, its dark, pulsating body casting a nightmarish silhouette against the scattered asteroid field. Its gaping maw stretched open, revealing rows of jagged, spiky teeth¡ªbut what sent an eerie chill down my spine was the enormous singular eye sitting in the center of its mouth, unblinking, cold, and hungry.


    Around it, eight smaller squids drifted like bodyguards, their tentacles undulating in slow, ominous movements. I couldn¡¯t fully gauge their size from this distance, but the way they dwarfed some of the nearby asteroids told me all I needed to know.


    ¡°We have confirmed visual on the Cosmic Beast. WAIFUs, you are ready to launch,¡± Agent Steve¡¯s voice crackled through the P.A. system, calm yet firm.


    A brief silence followed¡ªone heavy with anticipation. Then, through the radio, Agent Feena¡¯s voice rang out, now laced with a synthetic resonance.


    ¡°Feena Arcaliburn, launching!¡±


    Right on cue, Myrrh¡¯s voice followed, carrying the same digitized undertone.


    ¡°Myrrh Alicent, launching!¡±


    The ship shuddered slightly as two pods detached from the launch bay, streaking into the void like a pair of guided missiles. Their sleek, metallic forms gleamed under the faint glow of distant stars as they hurtled toward their destination. For a moment, they were nothing more than silver comets against the endless black.


    Then, just as they reached the 300-meter mark, the radio burst to life once more¡ªthis time with overlapping voices, their tones charged with power.


    ¡°Frame Unit, Awaken!¡±


    A pulse of energy rippled through space. The pods burst open, their outer shells shedding like discarded armor. From within, two humanoid mechs emerged¡ªmajestic, powerful, and primed for battle.


    The real fight was about to begin.

 Chapter 74 - TSUN Armor

    Chapter 74 - TSUN Armor


    Myrrh¡¯s Frame Unit underwent a dazzling transformation, its once-colossal white and gold form now enhanced by the sleek, cutting-edge Titanium Shielding Utility Nexus, or in other words: TSUN armor.


    A deep blue chest piece and reinforced spaulders gleamed under the distant starlight, adding an air of regal sophistication to her already formidable mech. Attached to her back, an omnidirectional thruster hummed to life, releasing a shimmering cascade of blue pixie-like particles that trailed behind her like ethereal stardust. With a controlled burst, she propelled herself effortlessly through the weightless void of space.


    Agent Feena¡¯s Frame Unit had also been upgraded. Her pink and white machine, once distinct, now bore the same advanced blue armor plating and omnidirectional thrusters. She surged forward, cutting through the abyss at breakneck speed, her movements as precise as a missile locking onto its target. Myrrh followed close behind, her trajectory weaving through Feena¡¯s ionized trail.


    ¡°Five kilometers before engagement!¡± The alert crackled over the radio, Agent Steve¡¯s steady voice carrying a hint of excitement. He glanced at me with a knowing smirk before handing me one of the radio transmitters. ¡°The show is yours, kiddo. Let¡¯s see if the legendary first-year really lived up to the hype of topping the Licensure Exams.¡±


    I forced a smile, unsure of how to respond. My fingers tightened around the transmitter as I raised it to my lips. ¡°Testing, testing. Ahem.¡± I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry. ¡°What weapon should I spawn, Agent Feena?¡±


    Her reply came through the radio with an unmistakable synthetic sarcasm. ¡°Your call.¡±


    ¡°Give us something for long-range offense and defense,¡± Myrrh suggested, her voice calm but laced with anticipation.


    ¡°Roger that.¡± I turned to Agent Steve, who met my gaze with an approving nod. Taking a deep breath, I activated the WEEB System.


    [Weaponry Enhancement Engineering Bios]


    Since Myrrh requested long-range offense and defense, I swiftly navigated my Bios interface, selecting the Beam Rifle and Light Shield options. As soon as my fingers confirmed the choices, a surge of blue circuitry flared across my left arm, intricate neon veins pulsing with energy. Raising it toward my WAIFU allies, I commanded with steady resolve:


    ¡°Beam Rifle, Light Shield¡ªEquip!¡±


    In response, glowing cybernetic rings materialized in mid-space, encircling both Frame Units like celestial glyphs. Within seconds, their left arms extended forward, deploying shimmering Light Shields, while their right arms withdrew sleek Beam Rifles, the barrels humming with condensed energy.


    ¡°One thousand meters!¡± Agent Steve¡¯s voice cut through the radio. ¡°Get ready to engage!¡±


    A jolt of nerves shot through me. My heartbeat thundered in my chest¡ªrapid, relentless, like the rattle of a machine gun. Even though this wasn¡¯t my first battle against a Cosmic Beast, the scars of past encounters still clung to me like a phantom presence.


    A memory surged forward, unbidden. The sight of jagged ruins and smoldering rubble surrounding me when I was just four. The overwhelming helplessness of that moment.


    Then, an even fresher wound¡ªthe haunting image of Myrrh¡¯s death at the hands of a Cosmic Beast only half a year ago. The way her body had been pierced like a doughnut... And the silence that followed.


    My fingers trembled slightly on the controls. I exhaled sharply.


    ¡°Myrrh,¡± I murmured.


    ¡°Yes?¡± Myrrh¡¯s synthetic voice echoed through the comms, calm and steady.


    ¡°Please¡­ don¡¯t die this time,¡± I whispered.


    A brief pause lingered on the comms, and though I couldn¡¯t see her face, I swore Myrrh was smiling on the other end.


    I scoffed, shaking off the lump in my throat.


    ¡°I¡¯m feeling all giddy for you kids,¡± Agent Feena teased, her voice laced with amusement, ¡°but now¡¯s not the time. Weapons free!¡±


    Myrrh responded, her voice sharpening with focus.


    At last, Myrrh and Agent Feena made contact with the squid-type Cosmic Beast. Now that their Frame Units¡¯ cameras provided a closer view, the creature¡¯s grotesque form became clear.


    It was an eerie, otherworldly monstrosity. A massive, undulating mass of midnight-black flesh, glistening with a slick, bio-organic sheen. Its gaping maw housed a singular, unblinking eye, scanning the battlefield with alien intelligence. More unsettling, however, were the additional eyes¡ªdozens of them¡ªpeering out from the tips of its writhing tentacles, shifting independently as if each possessed a will of its own.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    And then there were its spawn. Smaller versions of the Queen Squid, but no less unnerving. These creatures, roughly fifteen meters long with two tentacle-eyes each, swarmed in coordinated movements, lurking like shadows beneath their towering matriarch. In contrast, the Queen herself loomed ominously¡ªfifty meters of pulsating, flesh-wrapped terror, her twenty-meter-wide body coiling and contorting through the void.


    Without hesitation, Myrrh and Agent Feena opened fire. Their beam rifles unleashed searing green energy, streaking through the abyss. Myrrh¡¯s shots struck true, piercing one of the smaller squid monsters clean through, its body rupturing in a silent explosion. Feena, ever the sharpshooter, eliminated three in quick succession, her aim precise, her movements fluid.


    But the Cosmic Beasts were not so easily culled.


    In a sudden, synchronized counterattack, the remaining spawn retaliated, their grotesque, lidless eyes glowing with malevolent crimson light. An instant later, beams of pure energy erupted from them, slicing through the darkness like burning lances.


    Myrrh and Agent Feena reacted in tandem. Their omnidirectional thrusters roared to life, sending them weaving through the assault in a dazzling display of evasive maneuvering. Twisting, gliding, and rolling through the crossfire, they danced through the chaos, narrowly avoiding the deadly barrage.


    The unavoidable lasers streaked toward them, but their Light Shields flared to life, absorbing the impact in radiant bursts. Some of the crimson beams struck Myrrh directly, yet the TSUN armor held strong¡ªthe energy dissipating on impact, harmlessly ricocheting off her reinforced plating like sparks off a forge.


    Myrrh raised her Beam Rifle and fired three consecutive shots, each one carving through the void with blistering precision. Her target, a smaller squid-like spawn, convulsed as the final blast ruptured its body into a silent explosion of ink-like mist. Meanwhile, Agent Feena, ever the superior marksman, loosed three sharp green lasers in quick succession. Each shot found its mark, effortlessly piercing through the enemy ranks, sending the last of the smaller squids into oblivion.


    Within moments, the battlefield was cleared of all lesser threats. Only the Queen Squid remained¡ªits grotesque mass shifting, its innumerable eyes twitching with an unreadable malice.


    Myrrh¡¯s voice crackled over the comms, charged with excitement.


    It was obvious¡ªshe wanted to put on a show. Myrrh had always been cocky, and with the KAWAII agents watching, she was eager to impress. But deep down, I felt the same. If we were going to end this, we might as well make it spectacular.


    I met her enthusiasm with a firm nod.


    Tapping into the , I navigated to the  option. My left arm pulsed with electric-blue circuitry, the energy coursing through me as I stretched my hand toward Myrrh¡¯s Frame Unit.


    A brilliant cybernetic ring materialized beside her, swirling with raw data, forming the gateway to her new weapon. Without hesitation, Myrrh discarded her Beam Rifle and Light Shield, letting them drift into the void like discarded shells. Her mechanical arms reached into the circle, withdrawing a  blade¡ªthe Buster Sword¡¯s reflective edge gleaming like a monolith of destruction.


    Without missing a beat, Myrrh¡¯s Frame Unit came alive with power. Thrusters on her elbows and legs ignited in a synchronized blaze, and then¡ªwith a final push¡ªher omnidirectional back thruster erupted, sending her hurtling toward the Queen Squid at full throttle, a streak of green and blue light cutting through the darkness.


    Myrrh shot forward like a comet, her buster sword raised high, its sharpened edge reflecting the eerie glow of distant stars. She was going to slice the Cosmic Beast into colossal slabs of calamari, reducing it to nothing more than drifting cosmic debris.


    Just as she closed the gap, Agent Feena¡¯s urgent voice cut through the comms.


    But it was too late. Myrrh¡¯s momentum was unrelenting. Even if she killed her thrusters and forced the omnidirectional stabilizers into full reverse, the frictionless vacuum of deep space was merciless¡ªshe was still hurtling straight toward the beast.


    Then, the Cosmic Beast¡¯s enormous eye


    A shudder rippled through the void. And in the next instant¡ª


    A diamond-shaped explosion erupted, expanding outward with a dazzling brilliance that burned like a newborn star. The sheer force of it distorted space, sending ripples through the void like shattered glass. Though it was not as vast as a true supernova, the power behind it was no less terrifying. My breath caught in my throat. Myrrh had been right at the center.


    I shouted, my voice cracking with raw panic.


    At that moment, my WEEB System blared to life.


    [Weapon of Mass Destruction Series Unlocked]


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    A searing sensation ran through my left arm as crimson circuits pulsed beneath my skin, lighting up in an intricate, almost alien pattern. Cold sweat traced a path down my spine. My breath hitched, my fingers curled into a trembling fist.


    And then¡ªthrough the static, cutting through my spiraling fear¡ª


    Myrrh¡¯s voice crackled through the comms, steady but breathless.


    Her  still hovered in the void, untouched by the devastation. However, the once-vibrant  that had defined her presence was now stripped of its color, reduced to a dull,


    she added, a hint of frustration creeping into her tone.


    Agent Feena let out a relieved sigh before clapping her hands.  Her voice was lighthearted, but I had the sneaking suspicion that she had been mentally crossing her fingers the whole time¡ª


    I couldn¡¯t blame her. If anything, I was just as eager to see what my  could do.


    Her question sent a thrill through me. I had only tested up to  of the  before, but now¡ª


    My fingers twitched in anticipation.

 Chapter 75 - Fried Calamari Armpits

    Chapter 75 - Fried Calamari Armpits


    As the blinding, supernova-like explosion faded, a stunned silence fell over us. What we saw next made our stomachs twist in dread¡ªthe squid-type Cosmic Beast had multiplied. No longer just one, but two colossal queen squids now loomed before us, their eerie, pulsating bodies radiating an unnatural glow.


    From their writhing, translucent tendrils, smaller squids rapidly spawned like nightmarish spores, slithering through the void with terrifying ease. Within seconds, the battlefield was swarming¡ªat least thirty drone squids now lurked in the darkness, their glowing eyes locked onto us.


    ¡°Myrrh, get back!¡± Agent Feena commanded, her voice sharp with urgency. Her Frame Unit raised its beam rifle and let loose a volley of brilliant energy blasts, each shot streaking like a comet towards the advancing swarm.


    ¡°G-got it!¡± Myrrh stammered, quickly engaging the omnidirectional thrusters attached to her Frame Unit¡¯s back. The boosters flared to life, propelling her behind Agent Feena¡¯s shield just in time.


    Agent Feena¡¯s precision was razor-sharp¡ªeach shot struck true, disintegrating a drone squid in a single hit. But no matter how fast she fired, the situation was spiraling out of control. With two queen squid Cosmic Beasts now doubling the rate of reproduction, the drones multiplied as quickly as she could take them down. For every one she destroyed, two more seemed to take its place, writhing and weaving through space like a tidal wave of bio-mechanical nightmares.


    ¡°Any time now, Zaft!¡± Agent Feena barked, her frustration evident. ¡°Please tell me you have your Weapons of Mass Destruction ready!¡±


    ¡°Chill down,¡± I replied, fingers racing over my controls as I adjusted my parameters, switching my support target to Agent Feena. A smirk tugged at my lips as I threw in a jab. ¡°Are all middle-aged unmarried women like you this impatient?¡±


    ¡°How dare you!¡± Agent Feena shrieked, her voice laced with both outrage and disbelief. ¡°I¡¯m not middle-aged! I¡¯m just a few years older than you two kids!¡±


    ¡°Wow, so you¡¯re already in your thirties?¡± Myrrh chimed in with a teasing grin, clearly enjoying the chance to gang up on our superior.


    ¡°I¡¯m in my mid-twenties, you cheeky brats!¡± Agent Feena snapped, her frustration manifesting in the way her beam rifle suddenly fired twice as fast as before. Blazing energy bolts tore through the swarm of squid drones with newfound ferocity. ¡°This is NOT the time to be making fun of your senior! Is the WMD series ready or not?! Or should I just have Myrrh get blasted by another supernova!?¡±


    ¡°H-hey! Are you seriously considering sacrificing me again just to activate the WMD series!?¡± Myrrh yelped, eyes widening in alarm.


    ¡°One moment,¡± I interjected, a smirk tugging at my lips as I finished calibrating my system. The holographic interface of my WEEB System pulsed beneath my fingertips, and in response, glowing crimson circuit patterns traced their way along my arms like flowing magma. ¡°It¡¯s all set. Agent Feena, I¡¯ll be supporting you with a close-range weapon! Get ready!¡±


    ¡°Got it!¡± Agent Feena responded without hesitation. With a swift motion, she tossed her beam rifle to Myrrh. ¡°Here! Cover me with support fire while I close in on the enemy!¡±


    ¡°Roger!¡± Myrrh caught the rifle and immediately took aim.


    As beams of concentrated energy streaked across the battlefield, slamming into the swarm of squid drones, Agent Feena surged forward like a comet. Her light shield flared to life in front of her, a shimmering barrier that radiated with intense energy. The squid drones retaliated instantly, unleashing a barrage of crimson lasers in an effort to bring her down. But their attacks were futile¡ªall of them deflected harmlessly against her shield, flickering like fireworks against an unbreakable wall.


    When Agent Feena closed in to about two hundred meters from the enemy, I tapped the holographic interface of my WEEB System.


    ¡°Proton Slicer, Activate!¡±


    A surge of crimson energy coursed through the system, and in an instant, Agent Feena¡¯s right arm warped, transforming into a massive, kris-like sword. The blade was obsidian black, lined with intricate, pulsating energy panels that crackled with particle-charged protons. As the quantum spin accelerated, the entire blade became magnetized, humming with a force that bent the very fabric of space around it.


    Then, the effect kicked in.


    A powerful magnetic field burst outward, distorting the void like ripples in a pond. The moment it reached the swarm, the drone squids were wrenched toward Agent Feena, yanked helplessly through space like metal shards drawn to an industrial magnet.


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°Eat this!¡± Agent Feena roared, gripping her newly-formed weapon with both hands. With a single sweeping motion, she carved through the clustered enemies, the blade leaving behind a dazzling arc of light. A pulse of raw electricity followed, expanding in a fifty-meter radius and engulfing the trapped drones in an unseen storm of electromagnetic energy.


    In an instant, thirty drone squids convulsed violently as their bodies were sliced, fried, and vaporized into thick, dark smoke that dissipated across the battlefield.


    Agent Feena smirked as she admired her handiwork. ¡°Mmm. Smells like fried calamari in here.¡±


    From the cockpit, our pilot, Agent Steve, muttered, ¡°How the hell can she smell in deep space?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just an expression, dumbass,¡± Feena shot back with an exasperated sigh. ¡°Phew, this is awesome!¡±


    But before we could even think about celebrating, the eerie glow of the two queen squids intensified. Their massive, grotesque bodies pulsed like living reactors, and from their writhing tendrils, more drone squids began to emerge¡ªfaster than before, growing in numbers like a self-replicating nightmare.


    Just like before, Agent Feena wielded the magnetic properties of her Proton Slicer with deadly precision. The moment she activated its pull, the drone squids were helplessly dragged toward her like moths to a flame. Then, with a single devastating slash, she unleashed another electromagnetic wave, tearing through the swarm. One by one, the drones crackled, convulsed, and disintegrated into plumes of smoke.


    As the next wave of enemies fell, Agent Feena grinned, her confidence unshaken.


    ¡°I can do this all day!¡± she taunted, spinning her blade in a flourish.


    From the comms, Myrrh¡¯s voice crackled through, laced with unmistakable jealousy. ¡°Zaft, give me a weapon too!¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± I replied, smirking as I raised my crimson circuit-covered hand and tapped into my WEEB System. Energy pulsed from my fingertips, locking onto Myrrh¡¯s Frame Unit as I activated the next Weapon of Mass Destruction.


    ¡°Ion Cannon, Activate!¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s mechanical right arm shimmered, shifting and transforming in a cascade of metallic plates and glowing conduits. Within seconds, it had reformed into a sunflower-shaped cannon, its twelve gleaming petals housing solar-charged particle ion cells. The entire weapon hummed with raw, condensed energy.


    A wicked grin spread across Myrrh¡¯s face as she locked onto one of the queen squids. ¡°Let¡¯s fry the big one!¡±


    She took aim and fired.


    A brilliant bluish-white beam erupted from the sunflower cannon, a concentrated blast of ionized energy streaking through the void. The moment it struck the queen squid, the ions surged through its grotesque body, triggering a chain reaction.


    Electric tendrils burst outward in an unpredictable web, arcing between the smaller squid drones like living lightning. Each enemy caught in the blast convulsed violently as their overcharged ion systems went haywire. The cascading effect continued, jumping from drone to drone until the entire swarm was caught in the storm.


    One by one, they disintegrated into nothingness¡ªreduced to glowing embers, then to ash, then to nothing at all.


    The queen squid, its body fried beyond repair, let out a final, eerie shudder before its core ruptured. A brilliant explosion followed, sending a yellow-hued dust cloud rippling through deep space.


    Silence hung for just a moment. Then, Myrrh let out an exhilarated laugh.


    ¡°Now that was satisfying.¡±


    Seeing its twin obliterated, the remaining Cosmic Beast quivered, its grotesque, pulsating body flaring with ominous light. Its massive central eye dilated, glowing with a blinding intensity as energy rapidly gathered within its core.


    Was it preparing to unleash another supernova?


    ¡°Oh no, you don¡¯t!¡± Agent Feena roared, surging forward in a burst of thruster fire. Her Proton Slicer crackled with electromagnetic power, distorting the space around her like a gravitational storm.


    The Cosmic Beast had no chance to react. The moment the field enveloped it, its massive form was yanked forward, dragged unwillingly into Feena¡¯s range like prey caught in a vortex. Before it could resist, she executed a precise, lightning-fast slash¡ªher blade cutting straight through its monstrous eye.


    For a split second, the Cosmic Beast shuddered. Then¡ª


    A violent detonation ripped through the void, its body rupturing into a billowing yellow dust cloud. The shockwave dissipated, leaving behind nothing but empty space where the creature once loomed.


    ¡°Target neutralized,¡± Agent Feena declared through the radio, her voice as steady as ever. ¡°Returning to base.¡±


    ¡°Roger that,¡± Agent Steve responded, guiding our spaceship forward with a satisfied hum.


    As the two WAIFUs re-entered the hangar, their sleek Frame Units powered down, shifting back into their humanoid forms. The mechanical plating folded away seamlessly, revealing Myrrh and Agent Feena, battle-worn but victorious.


    However, the moment they stepped onto the bridge, a peculiar scent drifted between them.


    A familiar, unmistakable aroma.


    They both smelled like fried calamari.


    I made my way to the hangar, greeting them with a grin as they stepped off the bridge. "You girls should shower up. Your body odor is spreading through the ship." I smirked, waving a hand in front of my nose for added effect.


    Agent Feena shot me a deadpan look, her voice dripping with sarcasm. ¡°Yes, Commander Zaft. Geez, kids these days are so disrespectful.¡±


    Myrrh rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "Zaft is always that disrespectful. You''ll get used to his bullshit."


    As we talked, Myrrh¡ªstill clad in her tight bodysuit¡ªsubtly raised an arm and gave her armpit a quick sniff. It was supposed to be an innocent, absent-minded gesture, but for some reason, the sight of it sent an unexpected jolt through my brain.


    A weird, very weird realization hit me.


    Oh no¡­ do I have an armpit fetish now?


    Before I could process this, Myrrh caught me staring. Her cheeks tinged pink, her blue eyes narrowing into a glare sharp enough to cut steel. If looks could kill, I''d be vaporized on the spot.


    I let out an awkward laugh and quickly turned away, scratching the back of my head as if that would somehow erase my shame.


    Then, before things could get any weirder, Agent Steve¡¯s voice crackled through the ship¡¯s P.A. system.


    ¡°All hands, prepare for another sortie. We are closing in on the Void Box.¡±


    The moment of levity vanished in an instant. The air grew tense, the weight of our mission pressing down on us once more.

 Chapter 76 - The Temple of the Machine God

    Chapter 76 - The Temple of the Machine God


    After several minutes of weaving through the chaotic sprawl of the asteroid belt, we finally arrived. Suspended in the endless void of space, untouched by time or light, was the . Our ship glided around it cautiously, scanners sweeping every angle, but the readings remained an abyss of nothingness. The cube loomed in absolute darkness¡ª


    I had always imagined it to be small. When I first saw the pictures, I assumed it was no bigger than a refrigerator¡ªperhaps large enough to store a body, but nothing more.  It was , stretching , its seamless edges sharper than anything nature could create.


    Agent Feena''s voice crackled through the comms, slicing through my trance.  She spoke with the crisp efficiency of someone who had done this a thousand times, already fastening her helmet. Myrrh and I exchanged a glance before following suit, the familiar click-hiss of our suits pressurizing filling the cabin.


    The ship¡¯s hatch released with a low mechanical hum, and we stepped into the weightlessness of space. Our suits¡¯ built-in thrusters hummed as we drifted forward, carefully maneuvering toward the enigmatic cube. As we closed the final few meters, Agent Feena turned to me, her green eyes flashing like twin emeralds against the backdrop of the void.


    she explained.  She crossed her arms and fixed me with a knowing smirk.


    I frowned, suppressing a sigh.


    Agent Feena said, arms crossed, her tone half-challenging, half-expectant.


    She wasn¡¯t joking. That much was clear.


    Beside me, Myrrh tightened her grip on her morpher, the faint glow of activation flickering at her fingertips. She was ready¡ª


    But I knew better. I stretched out my hand toward her and gave a small shake of my head.


    Then, I felt it¡ªa tingling sensation running down my left arm, like a ripple of static crawling over my skin. But this wasn¡¯t normal. It was ¡ªan isolated pulse of energy threading through one specific part of my body.


    I looked down.


    Crimson circuits.


    I muttered, barely able to hear my own voice. That didn¡¯t make sense. I hadn''t even activated the ¡ªthe gateway to the ¡ªand yet, something inside me had already begun.


    Compelled by an invisible force, I gently hovered forward, my breath shallow, my pulse matching the strange rhythm of the circuits now surging through my arm.


    I reached out.


    The moment my fingertips met the surface of the , the crimson circuits  The darkness that had once consumed all light was now being , overtaken by an overwhelming, unnatural glow. The circuits raced and expanded at an exponential rate, turning the inky black cube into a lattice of searing red patterns.


    And then¡ª


    The


    Not like an explosion. Not like something breaking apart. But like


    Bit by bit, the cube dissolved into the void, revealing the impossible structure hidden within.


    A


    Its architecture was ¡ªmassive pantheon pillars lining its edges, stretching out as if holding up the very fabric of space itself. A grand central road led toward the heart of the temple, beckoning us forward.


    We had uncovered something beyond reason.


    A shiver ran down my spine the moment my eyes locked onto the temple.


    It wasn¡¯t just any structure¡ªit was shaped like a , its surface , giving it the ominous presence of something ancient yet . The only entrance gaped open at the mouth, as if beckoning us to step inside and be swallowed whole. Above, the , casting an ominous light into the surrounding void.


    And then¡ª


    SLAP.


    A sharp sting shot through my backside. My entire body jolted.


    Agent Feena¡¯s voice was filled with amusement.


    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    I yelped, twisting around in shock.


    Before I could process what had just happened¡ª


    SLAP.


    This time, I caught Myrrh smirking, one hand still raised from the impact.


    she teased, her blue eyes twinkling mischievously.


    I spluttered, glaring at the two of them.


    Myrrh scoffed, arms crossed, utterly unfazed.


    I clenched my fists dramatically.


    With vengeance in my heart, I made my move, aiming for Myrrh¡¯s backside.


    Unfortunately, she had anticipated it. With a lazy motion, she lifted her foot and  kicked my chest. Not hard¡ªjust enough to send me drifting backward in the weightlessness of deep space, helplessly flailing as I tumbled away from her.


    I muttered, arms flapping as I tried to stabilize myself.


    Agent Feena¡¯s voice crackled through our comms.


    Despite the lingering sting on my backside¡ªand my bruised pride¡ªI turned my gaze back to the temple.


    I barely noticed that Agent Feena had already gone ahead, her figure shrinking as she drifted toward the temple. Realizing I was lagging behind, I activated my suit¡¯s thrusters, the low hum vibrating through my body as I surged forward to catch up.


    The three of us hovered in the vast emptiness of space, staring up at the  before us.


    Agent Feena murmured, her voice laced with unease.


    Myrrh answered, her blue eyes narrowing as she studied the structure¡¯s foreboding design. Then she turned her gaze to me.


    I met her stare¡ªand shrugged.


    Without another word, Agent Feena propelled herself toward the gaping maw of the skull. Myrrh and I followed.


    The moment we crossed the threshold, we were swallowed by complete and utter darkness.


    A few seconds later, twin beams pierced the darkness as Feena and Myrrh activated their helmet flashlights. I quickly switched mine on as well. The beams carved through the void, revealing the interior of the temple.


    And we saw¡­


    Just an enormous , its curved walls forged from , as if the place had been abandoned for centuries. There were no statues, no relics, no machinery¡ªjust a hollow shell.


    Except for one thing.


    At the center of the room stood a , ancient yet untouched by time. Its surface was covered in strange inscriptions¡ª A code of 1s and 0s, stretching across the tablet¡¯s entirety, pulsating faintly as if waiting to be deciphered.


    01010100 01101000 01100101 00100000 01000110 01101001 01110010 01110011 01110100 00100000 01000001 01110000 01101111 01110011 01110100 01101100 01100101 00100000 01110011 01101000 01100001 01101100 01101100 00100000 01100011 01110101 01110100 00100000 01100100 01101111 01110111 01101110 00100000 01110100 01101000 01100101 00100000 01000011 01101111 01110011 01101101 01101001 01100011 00100000 01010100 01110010 01100101 01100101 00100000 01100010 01100101 01100110 01101111 01110010 01100101 00100000 01110100 01101000 01100101 00100000 01000011 01101111 01110011 01101101 01101001 01100011 00100000 01000111 01101111 01100100 01100100 01100101 01110011 01110011 00100000 01101001 01110011 00100000 01110010 01100101 01110011 01110101 01110010 01110010 01100101 01100011 01110100 01100101 01100100


    Agent Feena¡¯s voice echoed through the chamber, her green eyes glittering like she had just stumbled upon the . Without hesitation, she whipped out her phone, eagerly snapping pictures from every conceivable angle. The soft clicks and flashes of her camera filled the otherwise eerie silence.


    Meanwhile, Myrrh planted a hand on her hip and turned to me.


    I barely spared the steel tablet another glance before shrugging.


    Myrrh smirked, swaying her hips to the side in an almost , as if reveling in her own sass.


    I rolled my eyes. Apostle, not first goon, you stupid bitch."


    She let out a dramatic sigh, tossing her hair as she struck an exaggerated pose.


    I scoffed.


    Agent Feena¡¯s voice cut through our bickering, her tone half-amused, half-exasperated. She stepped between us, tilting her head toward the ground.


    Myrrh and I glanced down¡ªonly now noticing the . We stood within a massive , its surface covered in an elaborate mix of , all interconnected in a mesmerizing pattern.


    Now that I thought about it¡­


    Agent Feena touched the chin of her helmet, studying the carvings with keen interest.  Her voice carried a note of fascination as her fingers hovered just above the engravings.


    Her excitement was clear as she resumed snapping photos, meticulously documenting every inch of the temple. She moved swiftly, capturing the worn metallic walls, the , and every cryptic detail hidden within the chamber.


    Once we finally stepped outside, Agent Feena didn¡¯t stop. She took more pictures¡ªthis time of the , its hollow eyes still burning red, as well as the . The deeper we delved into this mystery, the more questions surfaced.


    Our exploration of the  had been, for the most part, uneventful.  And yet, an eerie tension clung to the air like static electricity, making the metallic walls feel colder than they should.


    Maybe it was because we were drifting in the endless abyss of , surrounded by nothing but darkness.


    Or maybe it was because this temple¡ª¡ªfelt as if it had been waiting for something¡­ or someone.


    Someone like me.


    The thought sent an involuntary shiver down my spine. After all, the Machine God had  to me once before. What if this was only the beginning?


    Agent Feena finished documenting everything she could, and with no further discoveries, we made our way back to the ship. It felt almost , leaving without answers, but Feena reassured us.


    For now, all we could do was return.


    And let these mysteries ¡ªgnawing at the edges of our thoughts, waiting for the moment they¡¯d demand our attention once again.

 Chapter 77 - X-Chocolates

    Chapter 77 - X-Chocolates


    It¡¯s a new day. My internal clock has been out of sync ever since I moved to Xyraxis, and even after nine months, my body stubbornly refuses to adjust to the two-hour time difference. Every morning feels like a sluggish battle against an invisible force dragging me back into sleep.


    As usual, I reach for my phone, letting the soft glow of the screen wake me up while mindlessly scrolling through memes and funny videos. It¡¯s a routine, a small comfort, a way to start the day without actually engaging with it yet. But as I flick past a few posts, something catches my eye¡ªa local advertisement.


    ¡°Merry X-mas! This is the time for lovers to confess at the Cybertree! Buy our Cyberroses and X-Chocolates at a special one-for-one price! Get yours now!¡±


    The ad plays a short video featuring a young couple, a boy and a girl, standing beneath a massive, luminescent white pine tree. The girl hands over a neatly wrapped box of X-Chocolates, and in return, the boy presents her with a bouquet of glowing Cyberroses. Snow-like flakes drift around them in a perfectly manufactured winter wonderland. It¡¯s a picture-perfect scene¡ªtoo sweet, too artificial, but still oddly mesmerizing.


    I recognize the setting instantly. According to the ad, the Cybertree is located on the opposite end of the Northern Children¡¯s Park, near Miss Mirana Alicent¡¯s hospital. I furrow my brows, remembering a very different version of that place¡ªone where Myrrh once fought off a gorilla-type Cosmic Beast in a chaotic, adrenaline-fueled battle. There was no Cybertree back then. They must have installed it for the holidays, another glittering attraction for couples to gather under.


    Out of curiosity, I check my calendar app, and my eyes widen slightly. The second week of December has already arrived. Christmas is creeping closer, though here in Xyraxis, it seems the holiday carries more of a Valentine¡¯s Day vibe¡ªsomething Myrrh once mentioned offhandedly.


    Now fully awake, I stretch my arms, letting out a slow exhale before grabbing my bathrobe and stepping out of my room. The dormitory corridors are quiet, bathed in the soft light of the early morning. As I walk, my gaze drifts toward Neil¡¯s door.


    A familiar weight settles in my chest. It¡¯s been lonely without him, all because of a misunderstanding¡ªone ridiculous love triangle that I never even intended to be a part of. No matter how many times I¡¯ve tried to reach out, tried to explain that my so-called romantic involvement with Fei is nonexistent, Neil refuses to listen. Every message is ignored. Every attempt at conversation is met with silence.


    I let out a slow sigh, rubbing the back of my neck. If he¡¯s decided to hate me, then maybe it¡¯s best to just let him be. Some things aren¡¯t worth forcing.


    Shrugging off the thought, I continue down the hallway, ready to face whatever this day has in store for me.


    <><><>


    After finishing breakfast, I headed straight to school. The streets were alive with activity, but one particular sight kept gnawing at me¡ªcouples. Everywhere.


    Hand in hand, walking side by side, whispering sweet nothings to each other. That, I could tolerate. Barely. But then there were the more obnoxious ones¡ªthe ones who acted like the entire city was their personal romance drama.


    One couple had the audacity to share a single slice of toast, each nibbling from opposite ends like they were in some sappy love anime. Another pair took it even further, licking the same popsicle, their tongues practically dancing around it in some weird, synchronized ritual.


    I scowled. Disgusting. Absolutely vile. And yet¡­ a tiny, unwelcome voice in my head whispered a different truth.


    I¡¯m just jealous, aren¡¯t I?


    I clenched my jaw, trying to shake off the thought. But before I could fully banish it, my own mouth betrayed me.


    ¡°When will I have that kind of smooches?¡± I muttered under my breath. The moment the words left my lips, my eyes widened in horror. ¡°No! No! No! That¡¯s disgusting!¡± I cried, shaking my head as if that would physically remove the shame from my brain.


    Suddenly, I felt a tap on my left shoulder.


    ¡°Yo! Good morning, Zaft!¡±


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    I turned to see Remuel, his small frame practically radiating energy, his usual lopsided grin plastered on his face.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you,¡± I muttered, quickly stuffing my hands in my pockets and continuing my walk.


    ¡°Hey, it¡¯s been so long since we talked. Are you ignoring me?¡± Remuel asked as he caught up to me, his voice carrying a hint of playful accusation.


    ¡°Not really,¡± I muttered, slowing my pace as realization struck¡ªI had been unconsciously avoiding him. ¡°If anything, you¡¯re the one ignoring me.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the one ignoring me,¡± he shot back with a sigh. ¡°I guess we¡¯ve all just been caught up in our own lives. Ever since they reshuffled the partner system, our study group kind of just¡­ fell apart. And let¡¯s not forget your whole mess with Neil and his love triangle drama.¡±


    I let out a small grunt. He had a point.


    ¡°Anyway, have you talked to Neil?¡± I asked. ¡°I was counting on you to explain my side since he¡¯s not replying to my messages.¡±


    Remuel shrugged, stuffing his hands into his pockets. ¡°Yeah, about that¡­ He actually blocked me a week ago. Probably found me annoying or something.¡± He let out a short laugh, though there was little humor in it. ¡°Said I shouldn¡¯t stick my nose in other people¡¯s business for my own sake. If that¡¯s not a threat, I don¡¯t know what is.¡±


    I scoffed. ¡°Threats are just words. Do you really think Neil would actually do anything to you? To any of us?¡± A smirk tugged at my lips.


    ¡°Well, he is sick, so I doubt he could take me in a fight.¡± Remuel clenched his fists, his small frame trying its best to look intimidating. ¡°If worse comes to worst, I¡¯ll beat some sense into him.¡±


    ¡°Whoa, slow down there, meathead,¡± I said, shooting Remuel a look. ¡°I meant that Neil couldn¡¯t hurt a fly, not that you need to beat him up. He¡¯s not the type to just attack someone out of nowhere.¡±


    Remuel huffed but didn¡¯t argue further as we stepped into the classroom.


    And then, there he was¡ªNeil.


    For a fleeting second, our eyes met. His expression was unreadable, but the moment stretched just long enough for the tension to settle in my chest. Then, with a quiet scoff, he ran a hand through his messy brown hair and turned away, pretending I didn¡¯t exist.


    Remuel, ever the master of reading the room, quickly changed the subject.


    ¡°Hey, did you know? It¡¯s X-Mas week¡ªthe Xyraxis version of Christmas and Valentines,¡± he said with an exaggerated grin. ¡°Got any plans? Maybe a date?¡±


    ¡°Nope.¡± I answered flatly, my tone colder than intended. ¡°I don¡¯t have anyone to go out with. I¡¯ll probably just head back to Earth this weekend.¡±


    I could tell Neil had heard me. Maybe, just maybe, that would help clear some of the tension between us. After all, as long as I wasn¡¯t dating Fei, there was still a chance to fix things. Right?


    As Remuel and I walked at the center of the classroom, a commotion near Myrrh¡¯s desk caught our attention. A small crowd had gathered, their excited voices overlapping in a chaotic chorus. At the center of it all was Kian¡ªMyrrh¡¯s partner and, apparently, the campus heartthrob.


    White gift boxes piled up around him as girls eagerly handed over their offerings, their faces flushed with nervous excitement.


    ¡°Kian! Please take my X-Chocolates!¡± one girl exclaimed, thrusting a neatly wrapped box toward him.


    ¡°Take mine too, Kian! Are you free this holiday?¡± another chimed in, her eyes practically sparkling.


    ¡°Kian! I baked the perfect X-Chocolate cake just for you!¡± a third girl declared with absolute confidence.


    And then¡ª


    ¡°U-Um, here¡¯s my X-Chocolate! You can take my ovaries as well!¡±


    A brief silence followed. Remuel and I exchanged glances, trying to process what we just heard.


    ¡°¡­That last one was pretty cringe,¡± I muttered under my breath.


    Still, I couldn¡¯t help but be impressed. Kian had this effortless untouchable prince charming aura, the kind that made people gravitate toward him. And yet, despite all the attention, he remained calm, collected¡ªchill, even. It was no wonder he had the entire classroom swooning over him.


    ¡°Thank you, girls! I really appreciate your efforts for these gifts!¡± Kian said, flashing a charming smile that seemed to make the entire room sparkle.


    ¡°Kyaaaaah!¡± The girls squealed in unison, their excitement echoing through the classroom.


    Meanwhile, Myrrh sat beside him, wearing a polite smile¡ªbut I noticed the subtle twitch of her eyebrows, a flicker of irritation that only someone paying close attention would catch. Was she actually pissed that all these girls were showering her partner with gifts? Hard to say, but I had my suspicions.


    I finally reached my seat and sighed. Unfortunately, Fei Xian wasn¡¯t here yet, leaving our shared desk feeling oddly empty.


    For no particular reason¡ªother than a compulsive, slightly pathetic hope¡ªI glanced under my desk, half-expecting to find a neatly wrapped box of X-Chocolates from some secret admirer.


    Nothing. Not even a pity gift.


    ¡°Hey,¡± Remuel scoffed from beside me, an amused smirk tugging at his lips. ¡°Were you just checking to see if someone left you X-Chocolates?¡±


    ¡°No, I wasn¡¯t!¡± I shot back, sitting up straight so fast it probably looked suspicious.


    Remuel just snickered, and I cursed myself for being so obvious. And then, Remuel skedaddled to his respective seat.


    My partner WAIFU, Fei Xian, finally stepped into the classroom. Her long black hair swayed gracefully with each step, catching the light as if it had a will of its own. Her deep brown eyes locked onto me, and with an innocent, radiant smile, she greeted, ¡°Good morning, Zaft!¡±


    ¡°Morning, Fei,¡± I replied, resting my chin on my hand. My voice came out more tired than I intended, followed by a long sigh.


    Fei set her bag neatly beside her chair before settling into the seat next to me. Instead of jumping into conversation, she simply stared at me, her curious gaze quietly studying my expression. I sighed again, feeling her silent inquiry press against me.


    I had half-expected her¡ªof all people¡ªto hand me a box of X-Chocolates. But when she didn¡¯t, I told myself it was for the best. No unnecessary drama. No misunderstandings. No more making things worse between me and Neil.


    And yet¡­ a small part of me couldn¡¯t help but feel a little disappointed.

 Chapter 78 - I’ll Kill You

    Chapter 78 - I¡¯ll Kill You


    ¡°Are you sad?¡± Fei¡¯s voice was gentle, her golden eyes scanning my face for any sign of emotion.


    ¡°No. I don¡¯t want to talk about it,¡± I muttered, turning my gaze away. The truth sat like a weight in my chest, but I refused to let it spill out.


    Fei hesitated for a moment before forcing a small smile. ¡°Are you perhaps¡­ expecting an X-chocolate?¡±


    ¡°I¡ªI¡¯m not,¡± I stammered, the lie slipping between my breath like a ghost. My fingers instinctively curled into my palm. ¡°What are X-chocolates anyway?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I forgot that you¡¯re from Earth.¡± Fei let out a soft laugh and knocked her head lightly with her knuckles in an endearing, almost childlike gesture. ¡°X-chocolates are a symbol of a woman¡¯s appreciation for a man. Though, for some same-sex couples, it can be exchanged between partners as well. Our school is even holding an event for the tradition.¡±


    ¡°So, it¡¯s basically like Japanese Valentine¡¯s Day,¡± I murmured under my breath. ¡°Any other difference?¡±


    Fei tilted her head, her long black curls swaying slightly as she pondered the question. ¡°I¡¯m not well-versed in Japanese Valentine¡¯s traditions since I¡¯m Chinese, but¡­ hmmm¡­¡± She tapped a finger against her chin. ¡°I think the main difference is that X-chocolates are made using genetically engineered cacao beans grown here in Xyraxis. Oh, and they¡¯re not as sweet as Earth chocolates.¡±


    Now my curiosity was piqued. ¡°Genetic engineering, huh? I wonder what they taste like,¡± I whispered.


    ¡°Oh!¡± Fei suddenly clapped her hands together, her eyes lighting up. ¡°If you want, I can give you some X-chocolates!¡±


    ¡°No, no, no!¡± I jumped up, waving my hands frantically. Heat crept up my neck, and I struggled to keep my voice steady. ¡°I think it¡¯s better if you give your X-choco to someone you actually love¡ªlike Neil, for example.¡±


    ¡°But we¡¯re not in that kind of romantic relationship anymore,¡± Fei said, her voice quiet yet firm.


    ¡°Yeah, but giving me one will just make things worse with Neil!¡± I cried, throwing my hands up in frustration. ¡°You know he already hates me, right?¡±


    Fei¡¯s smile wavered, the warmth in her expression fading into something hollow. ¡°Oh¡­ okay.¡± Her tone was light, but there was an unmistakable weight behind it, like a flower wilting under an unseen pressure. ¡°I was just going to give you an obligatory one, but if you don¡¯t want it, then fine.¡±


    My chest tightened. Guilt crashed over me like a tidal wave. I gritted my teeth, my mind spiraling with regret. Damn it. Did I just make the kindest girl I¡¯ve ever met feel unwanted? I didn¡¯t want to reject her chocolates! If anything, I wanted to taste them, to know what made X-chocolates so different.


    But this whole love triangle situation was already a mess. If Fei gave me X-chocolates, Neil¡¯s death glare would probably turn into something capable of actual murder.


    Before I could say anything, the door slid open with a sharp clack, and Professor Chen strode into the classroom. Just like that, the first period began, cutting off my conversation with Fei before I could make things right.


    <><><>


    The lunch bell rang, its sharp chime cutting through the classroom chatter. Finally¡ªfreedom. Since all my subjects were scheduled for the morning session today, my afternoon was completely free, an open expanse of time with nothing to weigh it down.


    Fei and I decided to stop by the locker room before heading to the cafeteria¡ªshe had forgotten her purse. For some reason, a certain short-statured nuisance had decided to tag along.


    ¡°Hey, Remuel,¡± I muttered, glancing at him with suspicion.


    ¡°Yes, Zaft?¡± he replied, looking up at me with an innocent¡ªtoo innocent¡ªexpression.


    ¡°Why are you tagging along?¡±


    Remuel sighed theatrically, then wrapped his arms around himself in a dramatic self-hug. ¡°Well, my WAIFU partner went on a date with her boyfriend, leaving me to suffer in my own lonesome misery.¡±


    I rolled my eyes. Of course.


    Stolen story; please report.


    By the time we reached the locker room, Fei quickly retrieved her purse while Remuel sauntered over to his own locker, fiddling with the lock as if expecting something inside. I leaned in slightly, curiosity getting the better of me.


    The moment he swung the door open, all that greeted him was the shriveled, lifeless husk of a Xyraxian cockroach, its grotesque form curled up like a defeated warrior.


    Remuel stared at it. Then sighed in pure, unfiltered disappointment. ¡°No luck here either, huh¡­¡±


    I smirked, crossing my arms. ¡°Wait, you were actually expecting X-chocolates?¡±


    He didn¡¯t answer, just looked away with a melancholic air.


    I grinned, unable to resist. ¡°Well, too bad. Your dwarf ass won¡¯t get girls, let alone their chocolates.¡±


    ¡°Speak for yourself, street thug. You haven¡¯t received any X-chocolates either,¡± Remuel shot back, arms crossed with a smug smirk.


    ¡°We¡¯ll see,¡± I scoffed arrogantly, striding toward my locker with all the confidence of a man about to prove his worth.


    With a dramatic flourish, I swung the door open¡­ only to be greeted by a grim sight.


    An empty locker.


    No chocolates.


    Just the brittle, dried-up tail of a Xyraxian lizard, curled in a sad, lifeless coil. It looked just as pathetic as Remuel¡¯s cockroach corpse.


    My shoulders slumped. I let out a defeated sigh.


    ¡°Man, how I wish somebody would give me an X-chocolate,¡± I muttered, my pride crumbling into self-pity.


    ¡°Me too,¡± Remuel groaned, leaning dramatically against the lockers. ¡°I wonder what it even tastes like¡­¡±


    Just as we were about to wallow in our shared misery, a strange sensation prickled at the back of my neck¡ªlike we were being watched.


    Slowly, Remuel and I turned.


    Standing just behind us was a familiar figure. Not long-lost, exactly¡ªwe saw him every day. But it had been a while since we¡¯d last been face-to-face with his ghostly pale complexion and wavy brown hair.


    ¡°N-Neil?¡± I stammered, caught off guard.


    Beside me, Remuel immediately dropped into a wacky karate stance, hands raised as if preparing for an ambush.


    Neil flinched, his cheeks flushed red. ¡°Y-Yo, Zaft. Remuel.¡± He gave a quick, awkward bow, rubbing the back of his neck. His voice wavered, uncharacteristically hesitant. ¡°I-I know I¡¯ve been avoiding you guys for the past month¡­ for, uh, some unknown reason.¡± He let out a nervous chuckle before lowering his gaze. ¡°I know it¡¯s my fault¡ªthis whole misunderstanding. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± I muttered, unsure how to respond.


    Neil exhaled and stepped closer, hesitating for a brief moment before extending his closed fist toward me. ¡°As a peace offering¡ªand proof that I still like you guys¡ªlet me give you a token of my apology.¡±


    Curious, I opened my palm.


    Neil uncurled his fingers and dropped two small X-chocolate kisses into my hand, each about the size of a thumb. Their dark, glossy shells gleamed under the fluorescent lights. I glanced up at him, and to my surprise, his face was burning red.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ way too nice of you, Neil!¡± Remuel suddenly hopped forward, his earlier karate stance forgotten. Without hesitation, he plucked one of the chocolates from my palm, grinning ear to ear. ¡°Alright, you¡¯re forgiven!¡±


    Neil let out a small chuckle, awkwardly scratching at his flushed cheek. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    The moment might have turned into some overly sentimental, borderline cheesy scene between three dudes reconciling over chocolate¡ªexcept it was abruptly shattered.


    ¡°Hey, Zaft! I got my purse! Let¡¯s go to the¡ª¡±


    Fei¡¯s voice rang out from behind me.


    I turned, only to feel the air around us shift.


    Neil stiffened. His expression instantly darkened, and his once bashful blush drained into an icy stare. His narrowed eyes locked onto Fei like she was some foul stain on the floor.


    Then, in a voice as sharp as a blade, he spoke.


    ¡°Just how long are you going to keep playing this game, Fei?¡± His tone was cold, piercing. ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried about Zaft at all?¡±


    Fei inhaled sharply, placing a hand over her chest as if steadying herself. Her eyes wavered.


    ¡°N-Neil¡­¡± she murmured. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t play stupid, you homicidal bitch!¡± Neil roared, his voice echoing through the hallway like a gunshot.


    Fei flinched but forced a trembling smile, even as her eyes glistened with unshed tears. She dug into her bag with shaky hands, pulling out a red box of X-chocolates. With a deep breath, she stepped forward and held it out toward Neil, bowing slightly as if clinging to a final shred of hope.


    ¡°H-here, Neil,¡± she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°I made this for you. I¡­ I just wish we could go back to how things used to be.¡±


    Neil¡¯s gaze flickered down to the box. Slowly, he reached out.


    For a brief second, it seemed like he might actually take it.


    But just as Fei let go, trusting him to accept her gesture¡ªNeil pulled his hand back, letting the box plummet to the cold, unforgiving floor.


    A sharp crack. The box landed with a dull thud.


    Before anyone could react, Neil lifted his foot¡ªand stomped.


    The box crumpled beneath his shoe, the delicate chocolates inside bursting apart in a mess of rich brown and crimson packaging. The scent of engineered cocoa filled the air, but all I could focus on was the sheer, brutal finality of the moment.


    Fei¡¯s breath hitched. Her entire body trembled as tears spilled freely down her cheeks. ¡°B-but¡­ why?¡± she choked out, her voice breaking apart like the chocolates at Neil¡¯s feet.


    For a moment, Neil¡¯s expression softened. He reached out, his fingers brushing against her cheek, gently wiping away the tears. Fei¡¯s lips quivered, and for just a second, hope flickered in her eyes.


    Then Neil spoke, his voice a quiet, chilling blade.


    ¡°If you keep clinging to Zaft¡­¡± He paused, letting the words sink in before delivering the final blow. ¡°I¡¯ll kill you.¡±


    Fei¡¯s eyes widened in horror.


    And just like that, Neil turned and walked away, his steps slow and deliberate, radiating an air of absolute, ruthless finality. His stained shoe left behind smudged chocolate and broken dreams.


    Fei stood frozen, her face crumpling as more tears poured down, heavier than before.


    I swallowed hard, my brain struggling to process what had just happened.


    What the fuck did I just watch?

 Chapter 79 - The Proposal

    Chapter 79 - The Proposal


    Fei sat in the cafeteria, her shoulders trembling as silent tears traced down her cheeks. She barely moved, her hands resting limply on the table beside her untouched meal¡ªa warm meat bun and a bowl of congee that had long since begun to cool. Even the scent of comfort, the nostalgic aroma of soft dough and savory filling, did nothing to ease the weight pressing down on her. She simply stared at her food, eyes glassy, as if willing herself to eat but unable to muster the strength. The quiet, rhythmic drops of her tears landing on the table felt louder than the bustling chatter around us.


    I swallowed hard. I had no idea how to comfort her. What do you even say in times like this? Especially to a girl? I¡¯d never really been close to one since high school, and the thought of fumbling through some forced words felt suffocating. Instead, I turned to Remuel, hoping he¡¯d have some sort of plan, but he only took another bite of his meat bun, chewing lazily before giving me a halfhearted shrug. "Just stay quiet," his eyes seemed to say.


    I sighed, wishing Myrrh, Cindy, or even Dianca were here. Myrrh¡ªI hadn¡¯t spoken to her all day, and there was a gnawing restlessness in my chest because of it. Cindy? She hadn¡¯t even shown up to class. As for Dianca, she was in another class entirely, and I hadn¡¯t caught a glimpse of her either. Without them, it was just us three, sitting in this suffocatingly awkward silence.


    To make things worse, the cafeteria was drowning in saccharine displays of holiday romance. Couples were everywhere¡ªwhispering sweet nothings, holding hands, giggling like they were in their own world. Right next to our table, a couple fed each other bites of cake, oblivious to how nauseatingly lovey-dovey they looked.


    The queue for food wasn¡¯t any better; pairs clung to each other, fingers intertwined, basking in the glow of some absurd ¡°Christmas Lovers¡± meal deal. Buy two meals for the price of one¡ªbut only if you had a significant other. Orbital Tech was getting more cringe by the second, and honestly, I was ready to leave.


    Then, cutting through the thick air, a familiar voice rang out¡ªgentle, warm, like the first breeze of spring after a harsh winter.


    ¡°Oh! Zaft! Remuel and Fei are here too!¡±


    When we turned toward the voice, we were met with the sight of a stunning woman with cascading blue hair and vibrant emerald eyes. Dianca stood before us, dressed in an ensemble adorned with elegant purple ornaments that shimmered under the cafeteria¡¯s lights. Glitter dusted her sleeves and neckline, catching the glow like tiny stars. Had she come from some university event? A performance? Whatever it was, she radiated a liveliness that contrasted sharply with the heavy atmosphere weighing down our table.


    ¡°Dianca,¡± I muttered, almost as if her presence wasn¡¯t entirely real.


    ¡°Oh, Princess Dianca!¡± Remuel exclaimed dramatically, raising his hands as if he were a knight pledging fealty. ¡°Have you come to offer me some X-choco, my lady?¡±


    Dianca didn¡¯t even spare him a glance. With a flick of her shimmering cape, she strode past him, her gaze locked onto Fei. The playful energy in her expression dimmed as soon as she took in the sight before her.


    Fei had wiped her tears away, but there was no mistaking the redness in her eyes, the slight puffiness of her cheeks. The evidence of her sorrow clung to her like an unseen weight.


    ¡°Fei.¡± Dianca¡¯s voice softened, her brows knitting together in concern. ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°I-I¡¯m fine,¡± Fei replied, forcing a smile that didn¡¯t quite reach her eyes. It wobbled, fragile, like a glass about to shatter.


    Dianca didn¡¯t buy it. She turned to me and leaned in slightly, lowering her voice to a whisper. ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s about Neil,¡± I muttered, keeping my words brief.


    Dianca¡¯s expression darkened for just a moment before shifting into something more determined. Then, as if switching masks, she beamed at me with that signature radiant smile¡ªa spark of confidence glinting in her emerald eyes.


    ¡°I think I have a rough idea of what¡¯s going on. Leave this to me,¡± she said with a wink.


    I exhaled, relieved. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll leave her to you.¡±


    Dianca knelt slightly, bringing herself closer to Fei¡¯s level before presenting a delicate cyberflower. Its petals shimmered faintly, the embedded nanolights pulsing with a soft, calming glow.


    ¡°Here, Fei. This might cheer you up,¡± Dianca said gently, offering the flower like a tiny beacon of warmth.


    Fei blinked at the gift, her fingers hesitating before wrapping around the stem. ¡°T-thanks, Miss Dianca,¡± she mumbled, still attempting to hold up that fragile, forced smile.


    Meanwhile, Remuel practically vibrated with impatience. ¡°What about me? Where¡¯s my X-choco?¡± he whined, panting like an overexcited dog. If he had a tail, I was sure it would be wagging furiously.


    I sighed, looping an arm around his nape and dragging him away before he could embarrass himself further. ¡°Let¡¯s give them some space,¡± I said, steering him toward another part of the cafeteria. ¡°This is girl talk¡ªwe¡¯re useless here.¡±


    <><><>


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    Wanting to give the girls some space, Remuel and I wandered aimlessly through the university¡¯s pathways, our steps slow and heavy with the weight of unspoken thoughts. The quarrel between Fei and Neil still lingered in our minds, a tangled mess of confusion and frustration.


    In our hands sat the X-choco kisses Neil had given us. Neither of us had unwrapped them. Instead, we just stared at the glossy foil, as if the chocolates held the answers we couldn¡¯t find.


    ¡°Hey, Remuel,¡± I muttered, breaking the silence.


    ¡°What?¡± he replied, barely glancing up.


    ¡°I thought you wanted X-chocolates. Why aren¡¯t you eating yours?¡±


    Remuel scoffed, gripping the tiny candy like it was a personal insult. ¡°Are you nuts? I wanted an X-choco from a girl, not from Neil!¡± He waved it around dramatically before stuffing it back into his pocket. ¡°Besides, I¡¯m having a hard time digesting this whole situation. Why is Neil suddenly nice to us? And why was he so cruel to Fei, saying he¡¯d kill her or something?¡±


    I frowned, the unease in my chest deepening. ¡°Yeah¡­ now I¡¯m having second thoughts too. Maybe this X-choco is poisoned?¡± I turned the piece over in my fingers, half-expecting to find something sinister beneath the wrapper. ¡°What if he¡¯s just playing nice to get us to lower our guard? I mean, Neil¡¯s not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed, but we can¡¯t be too careful.¡±


    Remuel went silent for a moment, then gave me a slow, meaningful look. ¡°Or maybe¡­¡± he trailed off.


    I raised an eyebrow. ¡°Maybe what?¡±


    ¡°Maybe¡­¡± A smirk crept onto his face. ¡°He has feelings for you.¡±


    ¡°W-what!?¡± I nearly choked on my own breath.


    Remuel nodded sagely, as if he had just unraveled the universe¡¯s greatest mystery. ¡°Think about it. Neil was all flustered when he handed us these chocolates. And the way he treats Fei like absolute trash¡ªjust because she¡¯s a little clingy toward you? Doesn¡¯t that scream love triangle to you?¡±


    I stiffened, my mind spiraling into deep contemplation. ¡°Are you saying that Neil is¡­ a homosexual?¡± I muttered, my grip tightening around the X-choco as if it contained forbidden knowledge.


    The puzzle pieces started clicking into place in a way that made my brain hurt. Neil had always told me to keep my distance from Fei. He was relentless about it. And just earlier, he had straight-up threatened her for getting too close to me. If I really thought about it¡­


    Remuel might actually have a point.


    Maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªit was Neil who had feelings for me. Maybe Fei¡¯s closeness to me made him feel threatened, insecure.


    This was a love triangle. But not the kind I had ever imagined.


    As the realization hit, Remuel clapped a hand on my shoulder, his grin brimming with mischief. ¡°Congrats, bro,¡± he said, barely holding back a chuckle. ¡°That guy¡¯s in love with you.¡±


    ¡°Fuck you! I don¡¯t swing that way!¡± I snapped, recoiling from Remuel¡¯s ridiculous theory.


    ¡°Well, you better think of a way to reject him¡ªher¡ªthem¡ªwhatever Neil¡¯s pronouns are,¡± Remuel said with an exaggerated shrug. ¡°Because if you don¡¯t, Fei¡¯s the one who¡¯ll suffer the most in this twisted love triangle.¡±


    I was about to fire back with a retort, but something in the hallway stole my attention.


    A commotion stirred right outside our classroom. A cluster of students¡ªboth guys and girls¡ªhad gathered in a tight semicircle, murmuring excitedly as they watched something unfold. From my angle, I managed to get a glimpse of what was happening.


    There, at the center of the crowd, knelt Kian Cyprus¡ªthe campus heartthrob, the golden boy, the type who had both girls swooning and guys rolling their eyes. In his hands, he held three cyberflowers, their delicate petals glowing faintly under the corridor lights. His expression was unwavering, eyes locked onto a single person.


    Myrrh Alicent.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting so long to tell you this,¡± Kian said, his voice smooth yet filled with emotion. ¡°I¡¯ve had my eyes on you ever since we first met. But now that I¡¯ve gotten to know you better, I realize how truly beautiful you are. Will you be my date?¡±


    The moment those words left his lips, the hallway erupted. The girls in the audience shrieked, some clutching their chests as if they were the ones being proposed to. Others whispered excitedly, probably gushing over how romantic the scene was. The noise level in the corridor steadily rose, fueled by the weight of Kian¡¯s confession.


    But amidst all the chaos, I felt something sink in my chest.


    A dull, inexplicable pain.


    I had no reason to feel like this. No logical reason at all. And yet, standing there, watching Myrrh get a grand, heartfelt proposal from Kian Cyprus of all people¡­


    It made my whole day feel off. Like this might just turn out to be the worst day of the year, depending on her answer. And I didn¡¯t even know why it bothered me so much.


    A heavy silence hung in the air. Myrrh still hadn¡¯t answered.


    She stood there, frozen in place, her lips curled into a smile that didn¡¯t quite reach her eyes. It was the kind of smile that looked polished on the surface but felt artificial underneath¡ªlike a mask hastily put on to hide whatever she was really feeling.


    She was blushing, but I couldn¡¯t tell if it was because she was flattered or simply mortified at being put on the spot in front of an entire audience. Either way, she was speechless.


    Ten seconds passed.


    The crowd, once buzzing with excitement, was now eerily still, every breath held in anticipation. Kian himself faltered, his confident posture stiffening under the weight of the unspoken answer. The silence stretched on, unbearable.


    And then, in a low, uncertain mumble, he finally broke it.


    ¡°Y-you were supposed to answer, Miss Alicent.¡± His voice wavered, but he quickly recovered, slipping right back into his dashing prince act. He straightened up, flashing a hopeful smile. ¡°So, once again¡ªwill you be my date?¡±


    The tension cracked.


    ¡°No.¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s voice was cold. Unwavering.


    The single syllable rang through the corridor like a gunshot.


    For a moment, no one moved. No one breathed.


    The crowd, Kian, even Remuel and I¡ªevery single person stood in stunned silence. No one had expected Myrrh to reject Kian Cyprus, the guy practically worshipped as the campus heartthrob.


    But as shocked as I was, I also felt something else creeping in beneath the surprise.


    Relief.


    It settled in my chest like a weight lifting off, though I had no idea why. I quickly forced my face into a look of neutral disappointment¡ªafter all, rejecting a nice guy like Kian should¡¯ve been sad, right?


    So why the hell was I secretly celebrating?


    But Kian wasn¡¯t one to back down so easily.


    Still kneeling, he lifted the cyberflowers again, his smile unwavering. ¡°Please?¡±


    A soft twitch in Myrrh¡¯s brow.


    It was so subtle that I doubted anyone else even noticed, but I did. That tiny shift in her expression, the barely-there flicker of irritation behind her still-forced smile.


    And then¡­


    Her blue eyes locked onto mine.


    Something in the air changed.


    Before I could react, Myrrh stepped forward, grabbing my wrist and yanking me through the crowd. My body moved before my brain could catch up, and in the next instant, she had entwined her fingers with mine¡ªfirmly, deliberately.


    And then, without hesitation, she pulled my other hand to her waist.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Kian,¡± Myrrh said sweetly, her voice smooth and unwavering. ¡°As you can see¡­ I already have a boyfriend.¡±


    And just like that, the entire corridor lost its mind.

 Chapter 80 - Love Hourglass

    Chapter 80 - Love Hourglass


    The entire corridor fell into a stunned silence, jaws slack, eyes wide with disbelief. It was as if a grand revelation had just shattered the expectations of an audience watching a climactic twist unfold on the silver screen.


    ¡°Eh?¡± I muttered, my voice barely above a whisper.


    ¡°Eh?¡± Kian echoed, his expression mirroring my shock.


    ¡°Eh?¡± Remuel¡¯s voice joined in, the weight of the moment sinking into his bewildered stare.


    ¡°Eeeeeeh?¡± A collective gasp rippled through the onlookers, a synchronized chorus of astonishment. The sheer absurdity of the situation hung in the air, thick and heavy.


    Myrrh, ever the performer, turned her gaze toward me, her twinkling deep blue eyes shimmering with an unreadable glint. Her lips curled into a forced smile, but her grip on my hand tightened¡ªa silent plea, or perhaps a demand. Then, with an exaggerated sweetness, she cooed, ¡°Oh my, darling. I¡¯m so glad you¡¯re here to clear up the misunderstanding!¡± She punctuated her words with a playful wink, her intent crystal clear.


    I glared at her, my expression frigid. This audacious, scheming little¡ªugh. How did I end up tangled in another romantic disaster? My hands were already full dealing with Fei and Neil¡¯s turbulent relationship, and now, against my will, I was being roped into whatever convoluted mess existed between Myrrh and Kian. My thoughts churned into chaos, my tongue suddenly useless.


    ¡°I-Is this true?¡± Kian¡¯s voice wavered, slicing through the tension with pure disbelief. ¡°I-I thought Zaft was just your friend.¡±


    ¡°W-Well, my relationship with Zaft has always been... complicated, haha.¡± Myrrh let out an awkward, airy laugh, her attempt at nonchalance painfully obvious. Then, with a dramatic flourish, she lifted her hand, flashing the KAWAII agent ring glinting on her finger. Before I could react, she grabbed my wrist and hoisted my hand into the air, proudly displaying the matching ring now snug around my ring finger.


    ¡°This is our proof!¡± she declared. ¡°Zaft put this ring on my finger!¡±


    I cringed¡ªinternally, of course. Myrrh¡¯s audacity knew no bounds. How dare she drag me into her web of lies? And to use the KAWAII emergency ring as fake evidence? That ring was meant to summon KAWAII agents in times of crisis, not fabricate some ridiculous love story.


    ¡°H-How long have you been in a relationship?¡± Kian stammered, his disbelief clinging to every word. His eyes flickered between us, searching for cracks in the illusion.


    Myrrh didn¡¯t miss a beat. With a wistful sigh, she pressed her hands together like a lovestruck heroine. ¡°You see, Zaft here was my childhood friend,¡± she began, her voice dripping with nostalgia. ¡°When we were six, we promised to marry each other with a four-leaf clover ring. It was a sacred vow, a bond forged in innocence. We¡¯ve kept it low profile all this time because we didn¡¯t want others to know. Not even our closest friends knew this.¡±


    She exhaled softly, as if the weight of her "confession" was truly moving.


    ¡°Well, apparently, I didn¡¯t know thi¡ªOUCH!¡± My words were cut short as a sharp, agonizing pressure crushed my left toe.


    Myrrh had stomped on my foot.


    Her smile remained angelic, as if she hadn¡¯t just inflicted physical pain upon me. ¡°My, my, darling,¡± she purred, tilting her head. ¡°Please don¡¯t embarrass me in front of so many people. It took so much courage for me to reveal our love for each other, so just help me out, okay?¡± She added another playful wink, her expression a perfect portrait of faux vulnerability.


    I cringed harder. Was Myrrh really this committed to preserving her Mary Sue image? Did her need for perfection truly run this deep?


    Kian¡¯s expression finally hardened into something unreadable as he stood up. Without hesitation, he strode toward me, his presence looming with an unshaken resolve. His sharp gaze locked onto mine, demanding the truth.


    ¡°Zaft, is this true?¡±


    Before I could answer, Myrrh shifted slightly, her body brushing against mine. I could see her eyes now¡ªblue, shimmering, almost hypnotic. The twinkle in them was like distant stars scattered across a vast cosmic abyss. She was close¡ªtoo close. It was an unmistakable plea, a silent cry wrapped in the art of feminine manipulation. This was the Abandoned Puppy-Eye Technique, a classic move reserved for girls desperate to be saved by a knight in shining armor.


    I swallowed hard, forcing a smile as I flicked my gaze back to Kian.


    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    ¡°Y-yeah.¡± I nodded.


    Kian didn¡¯t budge. His eyes narrowed, scrutinizing every inch of my face. ¡°Are you sure?¡± His voice cut through the tension like a blade. ¡°You actually look more surprised than I do. And I never would have thought that Myrrh would choose you.¡±


    Oof. That last part was a low blow.


    I know I don¡¯t exactly exude ¡®charming prince¡¯ energy¡ªI probably look more like a hobo thug shaking empty cans for spare change in a dark alley¡ªbut damn, that stung. My pride took a direct hit, and before I could stop myself, I doubled down on Myrrh¡¯s ridiculous lie.


    ¡°Myrrh is madly in love with me,¡± I declared, folding my arms smugly. ¡°I mean, on all our dates, she¡¯s been the one paying for everything. She even introduced me to her mother, Mirana Alicent, who personally gave me her blessings. I know everything about her¡ªher strengths, her weaknesses, her favorites, her pet peeves. Sure, she¡¯s got a filthy mouth and the temper of an active volcano, but she¡¯s always cared about me and my well-being. I love her just as much as she loves me.¡±


    The words left my mouth smoothly, but the effect was instantaneous.


    ¡°Z-Zaft¡­¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s face went up in flames. Her skin turned a deep, glowing shade of strawberry red, as if her body had been dunked in boiling water. Her blue eyes trembled, shimmering under the weight of unshed tears¡ªtears of what I could only assume were joy.


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Kian muttered, his voice hollow with defeat.


    ¡°Yeah. And she¡¯s a good fuck¡ªOUCH!¡±


    Pain shot through my foot as Myrrh¡¯s heel came crashing down on my poor, abused toe for the second time that day.


    ¡°My, my, darling,¡± she chirped, her voice sweet but laced with unmistakable menace. Her smile was radiant, but her irking eyebrows told a different story. ¡°Please don¡¯t go around sharing what we do in private.¡±


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry, darling,¡± I mumbled, swallowing my suffering like a true gentleman.


    Kian let out a deep, resigned sigh. His fingers loosened, and the bouquet of cyberflowers he had been holding drooped slightly before he finally lowered his hand. He looked at Myrrh, his expression filled with both disappointment and quiet determination.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for this misunderstanding,¡± he said, his voice steadier now. ¡°I¡¯ll be hands-off when it comes to you¡­ but I promise I¡¯ll be the best support unit you¡¯ll ever have until the end of the school year.¡±


    A faint smile played on Myrrh¡¯s lips. ¡°I appreciate it,¡± she said gently. ¡°I¡¯m sorry that I couldn¡¯t be your date.¡±


    Kian gave her one last solemn nod before turning away. He walked off, his footsteps fading into the distance. Soon, the crowd that had gathered for this impromptu drama-packed performance also dispersed, their murmurs fading into the school¡¯s background noise.


    Remuel, one of the last to leave, threw me a lazy wave and a smirk before disappearing around the corner.


    And then, at long last, it was just the two of us.


    The corridor felt strangely quiet now. I exhaled, my shoulders finally relaxing¡ªuntil I noticed something.


    I was still holding Myrrh¡¯s waist.


    A wicked thought crossed my mind. If she could dish out pain, she should be able to take it too, right? With a slow, deliberate movement, I tightened my grip¡ªthen pinched her side. Hard.


    ¡°Ow! Owowow! Ouch! Stop! It tickles and hurts at the same time! Ihihihi!¡± Myrrh squirmed in my grasp, thrashing like a trapped animal. Her laughter spilled out between sharp cries, her body twisting as she desperately tried to escape. ¡°I said stop, dammit! This is sexual harassment!¡±


    ¡°This is revenge,¡± I declared coldly, my grip unyielding. ¡°For slapping my butt back in the space temple. And for stomping my toe¡ªtwice. And most of all, for dragging me into your sea of toxic lies!¡±


    ¡°F-Forgive me! Ow! Hahaha! Eeek! Kyaah!¡± Myrrh shrieked, caught in a ridiculous mix of pain, laughter, and helplessness.


    After five long, satisfying seconds, I finally let go, crossing my arms as I watched her stumble back. She gasped for air, her hands on her waist, her face flushed from all the struggling.


    I wasn¡¯t usually the type to play the stern authority figure, but this time? I needed answers.


    I narrowed my eyes. ¡°Can you tell me what the fuck just happened?¡±


    ¡°Haaah.¡± Myrrh exhaled, still catching her breath. Then, when our gazes locked, she did the one thing that made me more suspicious¡ªshe forced a smile and clasped her hands together like she was about to pray.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry,¡± she said, voice small. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ that guy was persistent. He kept leaving letters in my locker, and I just found out today that the cyberflower I received was from him.¡±


    I scoffed, rubbing my temple. ¡°And instead of rejecting him outright, you decided to throw me under the bus?¡±


    ¡°I was trying to be nice!¡± Myrrh whined, her lips pressing into a pout. ¡°I¡¯d feel bad if I rejected him too harshly.¡±


    I let out a humorless chuckle. ¡°Oh, so you¡¯re nice to everyone except me?¡± My tone turned sharp, my patience running on fumes. ¡°You really are a selfish woman, you know that?¡±


    ¡°I-I¡¯m not a selfish woman! Hmph!¡± Myrrh pouted, crossing her arms with an indignant huff. Then, with a dramatic flick, she tossed her long lime-blonde hair over her shoulder like some high-class aristocrat. ¡°How about this? As payment for saving me, I¡¯ll let you lick my feet.¡±


    I blinked. Then my eye twitched.


    ¡°I¡¯ll spit on your feet!¡± I roared, heat rising to my face. ¡°I may be a degenerate, but I still have self-respect, you arrogant bitch!¡±


    ¡°Jeez, calm down!¡± Myrrh said with an exasperated laugh, clearly unfazed by my righteous fury. ¡°Fine, fine. If you want, I¡¯ll treat you to a nice meal today.¡±


    A nice meal would be nice. My stomach, which I had been trying to ignore, chose that moment to protest with a low, treacherous growl. I hadn¡¯t eaten lunch since my mind had been occupied¡ªfirst with figuring out how to comfort Fei, then trying to untangle the mess inside Neil¡¯s head. The hunger had settled into my mood like a dark cloud, making every little irritation a thousand times worse.


    I sighed heavily, pressing my fingers to my temples. ¡°You still owe me one date. This meal doesn¡¯t count.¡±


    ¡°¡®Kay.¡± Myrrh shrugged, as if casually agreeing to unpaid debt.


    I exhaled again, this time staring at the ceiling in pure resignation. How the hell did my life get this complicated?


    I was already tangled in one love triangle, and now I¡¯d been forcefully shoved into another. At this point, it was safe to say that I wasn¡¯t just involved¡ªI was the damn center of it.


    Like the middle of an hourglass, with everything collapsing around me.


    That¡¯s right.


    I wasn¡¯t just in a love triangle.


    I was in a love hourglass.


    And I was so fucking screwed.

 Chapter 81 - Two-for-One Discount

    Chapter 81 - Two-for-One Discount


    Myrrh had promised to treat me to a meal today, and true to her word, she took us to the most popular hotspot of the week¡ª The place was buzzing with life, packed with families, groups of friends, and an almost overwhelming number of lovey-dovey couples enjoying the festive atmosphere.


    At the heart of the park stood the towering  its luminescent branches shimmering like frozen starlight against the afternoon sky. The air was thick with the enticing aroma of sizzling skewers, freshly baked pastries, and sweet, buttery popcorn from the countless food stalls lining the pathways.


    With a glint of mischief in her eyes, Myrrh devised a cunning plan to  Without hesitation, she latched onto my arm, pressing close as she dramatically leaned in, flashing a charming smile at the cashier. Our matching ¡ªthe same ones she had insisted we wear as couple rings in another one of her antics¡ªwere now props in her little performance.


    "My boyfriend and I will take the two-for-one burger deal, please~¡± Myrrh cooed, her voice dripping with exaggerated sweetness.


    The cashier, entirely unfazed, nodded and handed us a neatly folded paper bag containing two  wrapped in crisp foil. Emboldened by her success, Myrrh took things further, scoring  and, just for good measure,  By the time we were done hopping from stall to stall, she had  by masterfully playing the system.


    With a satisfied hum, Myrrh led us to a cozy little table for two, making sure to pick a  spot to  I sat across from her, setting our discounted spoils of war on the table, feeling both amused and complicit in her harmless deception.


    As I unwrapped my burger,  filled the air, making my stomach growl. Myrrh wasted no time diving in, taking an eager bite of her burger while casually reaching for her side of fries. I followed suit¡ªafter all, I had been starving for an hour now.


    "Man, I¡¯m famished. I¡¯ve been under stress since yesterday," Myrrh sighed after swallowing her first bite, her voice carrying the weight of exhaustion despite the contented expression on her face.


    ¡°You mean Kian simping for you?¡± I asked, my voice half-muffled as I took another bite of my burger. The juicy patty oozed flavor, the tang of the sauce lingering on my tongue as I chewed.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Myrrh exhaled, rolling her eyes before stabbing at her fries with a fork. ¡°I haven¡¯t told you this, but Kian¡¯s been after me since day one. Those love letters in my locker? His. It only got worse when he became my support unit.¡± She leaned back with a sigh, idly swirling her drink with her straw.


    I raised an eyebrow, licking a bit of grease off my thumb. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Kian anyway? I mean, he¡¯s smart, friendly, and, let¡¯s be real, he¡¯s definitely handsome. No homo though. Just saying.¡±


    ¡°You really are a loveless goon, you know that?¡± Myrrh shot back, her cheeks puffed out like a squirrel¡¯s, stuffed with food. Her words came out slightly garbled, but the exasperation in her eyes was clear. She swallowed before continuing. ¡°Being smart, friendly, and handsome has nothing to do with a relationship. I learned that the hard way since Ephraim.¡±


    I leaned forward, intrigued. ¡°So what¡¯s the best quality for a love candidate then?¡±


    ¡°Loyalty,¡± she said without hesitation, her tone firm.


    I tilted my head. ¡°How do you even measure someone¡¯s loyalty if you haven¡¯t dated them yet?¡±


    Myrrh placed her elbow on the table, propping her chin on her hand. ¡°Guys like Kian¡ªsmart, friendly, and handsome¡ªare eye candy for most girls. And since he knows he¡¯s wanted by everybody, there¡¯s a high chance he¡¯ll cheat. My mother used to say the same thing.¡± She tapped her fork against her plate, her green eyes narrowing slightly. ¡°I¡¯d rather date some fool, hostile, and ugly street gooner. At least he¡¯d know I¡¯m way out of his league and wouldn¡¯t get any funny ideas. He¡¯d just be happy staying friends.¡±


    I snorted. ¡°That¡¯s a hell of a dating philosophy.¡±


    Myrrh smirked. ¡°It¡¯s called being realistic.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if you¡¯re describing me, but I¡¯ll just take it as a compliment.¡± I leaned back in my chair, smirking as I stretched my arms behind my head. ¡°As long as I get a free burger, smoothie, and pie today. Just don¡¯t forget the last date you promised. That last date better be damn expensive.¡±


    "Hahaha..." Myrrh scoffed, a small, amused huff escaping her lips. Her cheeks flushed a soft pink, whether from my teasing or the warmth of the caf¨¦, I couldn¡¯t tell. Then, with a playful glint in her eyes, she reached out and smacked my arm¡ªlight, but just enough to linger.


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    ¡°At least your problem is solved now,¡± I sighed, sinking into my seat. ¡°As for me, I don¡¯t know what the hell is going on with Fei and Neil.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Myrrh paused mid-sip, the straw in her mouth making a faint slurping sound as she drew up the last of her strawberry smoothie. She leaned forward slightly, eyes curious. ¡°Tell me what happened.¡±


    <><><>


    I told Myrrh everything¡ªhow Neil had given me and Remuel X-Choco kisses as an apology, how he had stomped on Fei¡¯s chocolates like some kind of jealous tyrant, and how he had even thrown death threats at her. I even shared Remuel¡¯s absurd theory: that I was caught in a ridiculously complicated love triangle¡ªone where Neil might actually love me more than just a friend.


    The moment those words left my mouth, Myrrh burst out laughing.


    ¡°Pffft! Ahahahaha!¡± She doubled over, clutching her stomach as her laughter echoed through the outdoor caf¨¦. Her lime blonde hair bounced as she struggled for breath, her face turning slightly red. ¡°I¡¯ve seen bromances before, but yours is on another level! He even gave you an X-Choco! Talk about being stupidly subtle! Hahaha!¡±


    I groaned, rubbing my temples. ¡°Yeah, laugh all you want, Myrrh. You should be helping me, not laughing at my stupid situation. I even helped you get away from Kian''s proposal, but here you are, being an ungrateful bitch.¡±


    ¡°Okay, okay, sorry.¡± She wiped away the tears at the corners of her eyes, still trying to suppress her giggles. Taking a deep breath, she straightened up and put on a serious face¡ªwell, as serious as she could manage. ¡°I¡¯ll try to help. I¡¯ll talk to Fei, and Neil if I can¡ªbut in return, you¡¯re going to keep being my pest repellent. I mean¡­ my fake boyfriend.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow. ¡°You really see Kian as a cockroach, huh? And I¡¯m your cyanide?¡±


    Myrrh smirked, tilting her head slightly. ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure you¡¯re more toxic than cyanide.¡± Her sharp green eyes narrowed with mischief.


    I sighed, shaking my head. ¡°Okay, whatever. Let''s do this deal.¡±


    We continued eating in comfortable silence, the occasional clink of utensils filling the space between us. Five minutes passed, and soon our plates were wiped clean. The warmth of the meal lingered, but the weight of lingering concerns hadn¡¯t completely faded.


    Before leaving, I reminded Myrrh to message Dianca about Fei¡¯s mental state. We stayed a little longer, the caf¨¦¡¯s soft hum filling the background as we waited for a response. Myrrh tapped at her phone, resting her chin on one hand. Then, a short vibration buzzed against the wooden table.


    She glanced at the screen and turned it toward me.


    Hello! Fei has already left the university. She was a bit less gloomy when she left, but we still need to check on her <3 <3 <3


    I let out a deep sigh of relief. At least for today, Fei wasn¡¯t my problem. That meant we were free to head home.


    Myrrh and I walked along the oval path circling the towering white cybernetic tree at the park''s center. Its luminescent veins pulsed faintly against the evening sky, casting long, soft shadows beneath its branches. As we neared its massive trunk, Myrrh suddenly quickened her pace, overtaking me before turning to face me head-on.


    ¡°Zaft!¡± she called, cheeks tinted with a flustered shade of red. She shifted awkwardly, her fingers curling around the strap of her bag. ¡°D-do you have a second? There¡¯s something I want to talk to you about.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow, slowing my steps. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    She hesitated for a moment, then fumbled through her bag, her movements uncharacteristically nervous. Finally, she pulled out a small red box and held it out toward me.


    ¡°H-here,¡± she stammered, eyes darting away. ¡°X-Chocolates. For you.¡±


    I felt heat rise to my own face. ¡°F-for me!?¡±


    Myrrh glanced to the left, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve as she struggled to keep a smile on her trembling lips. A soft blush dusted her cheeks.


    ¡°T-the thing is¡­¡± she began hesitantly, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. ¡°I coincidentally just happened to make some homemade chocolate last night, sooo¡­¡±


    I raised an eyebrow and instinctively covered my mouth with one hand. ¡°What kind of inhumane experiment were you doing last night to coincidentally create a chocolate?¡± I muttered under my breath, half in awe, half in fear.


    Myrrh¡¯s expression twitched, but instead of snapping at me, she thrust the red box toward my face. ¡°T-they¡¯re just obligatory,¡± she insisted, her voice slightly shaky. ¡°A token of friendship. I don¡¯t mind giving them to you this X-mas Day.¡±


    I hesitated, my hands hovering just above the box. When I finally took hold of it, a strange warmth settled in my chest and stomach¡ªa feeling I wasn¡¯t entirely sure how to process. This might be the very first time I¡¯d received a gift from a woman. And the fact that it was Myrrh of all people¡­


    ¡°T-thanks,¡± I muttered, my voice quieter than I expected. My fingers traced the edges of the box before I squinted at it suspiciously. ¡°Is this really homemade? Are you sure it¡¯s edible? It¡¯s not radioactive, is it?¡±


    A vein nearly popped on Myrrh¡¯s forehead. Her eyes flared, and in the next instant¡ª


    ¡°Why you¡ª!?¡± Myrrh exploded, stomping her foot. ¡°It turned out delicious, like a one-in-a-million thing! If you¡¯re gonna be so rude, give them back!¡±


    She lunged forward, reaching for the chocolates. I took a step back, grinning.


    ¡°Hey, hey! I was just making sure!¡± I laughed, holding the box just out of reach.


    I yanked the chocolate box out of Myrrh¡¯s reach before she could snatch it back.


    ¡°My bad! My bad! I¡¯ll eat them, okay?¡± I laughed, holding up my hands in surrender. ¡°I¡¯ve been dying all day, wondering what X-Chocolates taste like!¡±


    She huffed, crossing her arms, but I could see the faintest smirk tugging at her lips.


    Curious, I flipped open the red box. Inside, a circular chocolate sat neatly, cut into small, pizza-like slices. I picked up a piece and popped it into my mouth.


    The moment it touched my tongue, my eyes widened.


    The chocolate wasn¡¯t overly sweet, yet it was impossibly creamy, melting effortlessly in my mouth. There was a slight hint of cacao bitterness, balanced perfectly with a smooth, milky richness. No weird aftertaste, no artificial heaviness¡ªjust pure, silky indulgence. The blend of flavors sent a warm rush through my chest, a sense of comfort and delight wrapping around me like a cozy blanket.


    This¡­ this was incredible. I felt like I was ascending to nirvana.


    ¡°Yummers! This is so good!¡± I cried, practically bouncing on my feet. ¡°This is amazing! I¡¯m not even a chocolate guy, but I love it!¡±


    Myrrh turned away sharply, arms still folded, but I caught the deepening blush spreading across her cheeks.


    ¡°Hmph!¡± she scoffed, pretending to inspect the cybernetic tree beside us. ¡°See? Even I know how to make chocolates. It¡¯s just a basic skill.¡±


    Despite her feigned indifference, I could hear the tiniest hint of pride in her voice.

 Chapter 82 - Office Romance

    I woke up with a heavy sigh, disappointment settling deep in my chest. I know I¡¯m an asshole, but Myrrh giving me X-chocolates yesterday was¡­ unexpected. She¡¯s never been the type to do something so openly considerate, and now it¡¯s gnawing at me. I can¡¯t just let it slide¡ªI have to do something in return, even if it¡¯s just to ease the weight of this unfamiliar guilt.


    Today marked the last day of classes at Orbital Tech before the long-awaited holiday break. The morning unfolded like any other¡ªroutine lectures, the usual hum of students pretending to take notes, and the professors clearly as eager as we were to end the semester. Fei was absent, which was a stroke of luck considering there were no practical exams or dreaded calculus quizzes. Just a simple day that blurred past in a haze of spoken theories and half-filled notebooks. By some miracle, we were dismissed before lunch, the early freedom feeling like an unearned gift.


    As soon as class let out, I made my way into the bustling streets outside the university. The air was still crisp from the lingering echoes of X-mas celebrations, neon lights from lingering holiday decor flickering against the glass storefronts. My goal was clear¡ªI needed something small but meaningful. Something that wouldn¡¯t scream ¡°I¡¯m trying too hard¡± but would still carry weight. After browsing through stalls, I found what I was looking for¡ªa tiny bouquet of cyberflowers, their bioluminescent petals pulsing faintly with artificial life. The bouquet wasn¡¯t extravagant, just the length of my hand, wrapped in a soft cotton cloth that gave it a more personal touch.


    Luck was on my side¡ªI managed to snag it at half price, a post-celebration discount that made the decision easier. I carefully placed the bouquet inside an old shoebox, adjusting it until it fit snugly in my backpack, ensuring it wouldn¡¯t get crushed before I could hand it over.


    With my purchase secured, I turned back toward the Orbital Tech grounds, my next destination set¡ªthe KAWAII headquarters, where my part-time job awaited.


    I haven¡¯t talked much about my internship there, mostly because there¡¯s not much to say. The mission with the Void Box had been an anomaly¡ªan adrenaline spike in an otherwise monotonous routine. Most days, we were stuck doing office work, menial tasks that felt far removed from the high-stakes operations I¡¯d imagined. Meanwhile, Agent Feena was always out in the field, handling the real missions, navigating the dangerous underbelly of Xyraxis while we stayed behind, pushing papers and pretending we were part of something bigger.


    When I stepped into the KAWAII headquarters, the familiar hum of machinery and the faint scent of synthetic coffee filled the air. At the front desk, poised like she belonged on the cover of an in-flight magazine, was Myrrh.


    Her lime-blonde hair was tied neatly in a ponytail, black ribbons securing it in place. The dark blue blazer she wore hugged her form just right, and the short skirt added a professional sharpness to her look. If I hadn¡¯t known better, I¡¯d have mistaken her for a high-class flight attendant¡ªelegant, poised, and undeniably striking.


    ¡°Good afternoon, Zaft.¡± Myrrh greeted me with a small smile, her voice carrying that usual refined tone. ¡°I went ahead and punched you in since you disappeared the moment class ended. Where did you run off to?¡±


    ¡°Just an errand,¡± I replied with a shrug. ¡°Since the holidays start tomorrow, I figured I¡¯d head back to Earth for a bit.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± She gave a slight nod before smoothly shifting topics. ¡°Oh, this might be a little late, but Fei told me she already went back to Earth. Something urgent came up with her family, so that¡¯s why she was absent today.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow. ¡°Family business?¡± I leaned forward with a smirk. ¡°Family business, or heartbrokenness?¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s smile flattened, and she crossed her arms. ¡°You are an insensitive goon, you know that?¡± she scolded, her sharp eyes narrowing. ¡°Fei has a gentle heart¡ªsoft, kind. She does not deserve what Neil said to her yesterday. Maybe stop joking about her pain for once?¡±


    ¡°Alright, alright, I¡¯m sorry.¡± I raised my hands in surrender, though my grin lingered. ¡°Oh, by the way¡­¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡± Myrrh tilted her head slightly, curiosity flickering in her emerald eyes, making her look almost¡­ puppy-like.


    I reached into my bag, feeling the delicate weight of the bouquet against my fingers. Carefully, I pulled it out and extended it toward her. The white cyberflowers shimmered faintly under the artificial lighting, their petals pulsating with an almost ethereal glow. The soft pink cotton wrapping fluttered slightly as I held it out.


    ¡°For you.¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s emerald eyes widened, shimmering like polished glass, and in an instant, her face turned the shade of a ripe strawberry. Her mouth hung open slightly, caught between shock and something dangerously close to a smile.


    ¡°W-what is this?¡± she stammered, staring at the bouquet as if it might suddenly start speaking. ¡°Cyberflowers? Wait¡ªwhat are you playing at?¡±


    Her expression hardened in an instant, her wary glare locking onto me like a trained sniper. ¡°Is there a bomb inside? One that explodes, showers me with confetti, and then plays a hologram that says ¡®You lose!¡¯?¡±


    ¡°That was awfully specific! Of course not!¡± I huffed, throwing my hands up in exasperation. ¡°This is just a token of appreciation¡ªfor all the things you¡¯ve helped me with.¡±


    Silence. For a second, I thought she was going to reject it outright.


    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    Then, just as quickly, Myrrh¡¯s lips curled into a teasing grin. ¡°Just kidding~¡± she scoffed, before snatching the bouquet from my hands.


    Her entire demeanor changed in an instant. Her face lit up like a star, her smile so radiant it could probably power a city block. She pressed the bouquet close to her face, inhaling as if she could catch the nonexistent scent of artificial petals. Then, with a delighted hum, she hugged the flowers to her chest, swaying slightly like a girl who¡¯d just received a love confession.


    ¡°Thank you! I didn¡¯t know you were such a sweet guy, Zaft!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I get called that a lot,¡± I said casually.


    ¡°What, a sweet guy?¡± Myrrh teased.


    ¡°No. Zaft,¡± I replied, smirking.


    "You''re definitely weird today," Myrrh pouted.


    I turned on my heel and walked away from the front desk, keeping my pace steady, my posture cool.


    I refused to look back. If I did, she might¡¯ve seen the stupid, burning redness creeping up my ears. The truth was, this was the first time I had ever given flowers to a girl, and of all people, it had to be Myrrh. A strange, fluttery feeling stirred in my stomach¡ªan unfamiliar mix of nervous excitement and absolute dread.


    I needed to escape before I embarrassed myself any further.


    As I passed the main office area, a familiar figure caught my attention¡ªAgent Feena, slumped lazily at her desk, her normally composed face tinted pink. A half-empty bottle of wine sat beside her, and she peered at me with a slow, knowing smirk, the kind that made my skin crawl.


    Her green eyes flickered with amusement.


    ¡°¡­What?¡± I asked, shrugging as if I had nothing to hide.


    ¡°Just get married already!¡± Agent Feena wailed, her voice echoing through the office like a street drunkard yelling at passing cars. ¡°You two keep getting all lovey-dovey every time! You¡¯re so sweet it¡¯s giving me diabetes!¡±


    I shot her a cold glare. ¡°Shut up and stop drinking at work, Agent.¡± Without hesitation, I grabbed the wine bottle straight from her desk, confiscating it like a disappointed parent.


    ¡°Hey! That¡¯s my expensive wine! It costs me a fortune just to buy one!¡± Feena whined, attempting to crawl after me, but her drunken limbs betrayed her. She barely made it a few inches before collapsing onto the floor, her arm draped dramatically over her eyes like some tragic heroine in an old theater play. Within seconds, she was out cold.


    I sighed, shaking my head. This woman was supposed to be a top agent?


    Without breaking stride, I made my way to the office fridge. With a smirk, I stuffed the bottle into the freezer. Nobody would ever think to check the freezer for stolen wine, and besides, by the time she found it, it¡¯d be frozen solid. Consider this my noble service to the entire KAWAII department.


    With my good deed for the day done, I finally arrived at my proud little workstation¡ªsituated right beside the office photocopy machine.


    To most people, this setup might seem like a soul-sucking nightmare, but to me? This was paradise.


    I chose this job. I volunteered for it. A room where it¡¯s just me and the soothing hum of the photocopy machine? No fieldwork, no stress, no life-or-death situations? Perfection.


    As the designated photocopy intern, my entire duty consisted of feeding paper into the machine, pushing a few buttons, and watching as documents duplicated themselves like magic. No mental effort required, no risk of danger¡ªjust mindless, peaceful work. And the best part? I got paid for it.


    With one hand pressing the ¡®Start¡¯ button and the other scrolling through my mobile game, I leaned back with a satisfied smirk.


    This was truly a win-win situation.


    ¡°It¡¯s time to be productive!¡± I announced to no one in particular, stretching my arms before powering up the printer and photocopy machine. The familiar mechanical hum filled the small room, a white noise that signaled the start of my workday.


    A towering stack of documents sat on my desk, waiting to be copied. Most of them contained classified intel¡ªreports on Xyraxis corruption, underground cartel raids, and the ever-evolving landscape of cyberhacking scams.


    As I sifted through the pile, my eyes caught snippets of conspiracies tied to Treenity Innovations. Another file detailed the royal bloodlines of the Archonlight Heirs. And just the other day, I stumbled upon an absolutely insane multiversal theory about a conceptual god of undeath called Necross.


    Reading through these eerie and bizarre documents was, in a way, a perk of the job. Sure, my actual duty was to photocopy them, not skim through top-secret information, but who could resist taking a peek at the mysteries of the universe when they were right in front of you?


    But then, a particular document caught my attention.


    It was different. Unsettling.


    A photograph of a steel tablet, resting on the altar of the Void Box.


    My fingers instinctively tightened around the paper as my eyes scanned the transcribed binary code beneath the image. A translation was provided, but my gaze lingered on the original string of numbers as if they carried some deeper, unspoken weight:


    01010100 01101000 01100101 00100000 01000110 01101001 01110010 01110011 01110100 00100000 01000001 01110000 01101111 01110011 01110100 01101100 01100101 00100000 01110011 01101000 01100001 01101100 01101100 00100000 01100011 01110101 01110100 00100000 01100100 01101111 01110111 01101110 00100000 01110100 01101000 01100101 00100000 01000011 01101111 01110011 01101101 01101001 01100011 00100000 01010100 01110010 01100101 01100101 00100000 01100010 01100101 01100110 01101111 01110010 01100101 00100000 01110100 01101000 01100101 00100000 01000011 01101111 01110011 01101101 01101001 01100011 00100000 01000111 01101111 01100100 01100100 01100101 01110011 01110011 00100000 01101001 01110011 00100000 01110010 01100101 01110011 01110101 01110010 01110010 01100101 01100011 01110100 01100101 01100100


    Translation: ¡°The First Apostle shall cut down the Cosmic Tree before the Cosmic Goddess is resurrected.¡±


    The moment my eyes processed the words, a wave of dizziness slammed into me. It was sudden¡ªunnatural.


    A sharp, relentless pain drilled into my skull, as if invisible fingers were digging into my brain, squeezing it from both sides. My vision stuttered, glitching like a corrupted computer screen, flickering between reality and something else¡ªsomething I wasn¡¯t meant to see.


    "Aaaah¡ª"


    I staggered back, gripping the edges of the photocopy machine for support, but even my fingers felt wrong. Too heavy. Too sluggish. A sickening weight settled in my gut, twisting like a parasite gnawing at my insides.


    I glanced down at my hands.


    My veins pulsed with crimson circuits, glowing faintly beneath my skin. Each time I blinked, the glowing lines branched out, spreading like a digital infection, rewriting me at the molecular level.


    And then¡ª


    A voice. No, not a voice. A system notification. Echoing inside my skull.


    [Apostle''s Objective: Cut down the Cosmic Tree]


    [Failure to do this Quest will erase this reality]


    The words slammed into my mind like a fatal error message. My breath hitched. My heart pounded against my ribs like an alarm.


    My reality¡ªerased?


    The office around me warped, the walls stretching, distorting, like a melting simulation. My thoughts scrambled for reason, for logic¡ªthis can¡¯t be real, this can¡¯t be happening¡ªbut before I could process another thought, the pressure in my head snapped.


    My vision cracked like a shattered screen.


    And then¡ª


    Everything went black.

 Chapter 83 - Cosmic Tree

    Chapter 83 - Cosmic Tree


    When I opened my eyes, the first thing I noticed was the blinding whiteness surrounding me. The ceiling stretched above like a blank canvas, the sterile curtains hung motionless, and I lay cocooned in crisp white sheets that smelled faintly of antiseptic. The faint hum of medical equipment droned in the background. My head throbbed with a sharp sting, pulsing behind my eyes whenever I tried to move.


    Blinking, I turned my gaze to the side and saw Myrrh sitting beside me. Her lime-blonde hair spilled over her shoulders, a few strands falling across her face, but she didn''t seem to notice. She let out a shaky breath, her lips curling into a soft smile of relief as our eyes met.


    "You''re awake..." she whispered, her voice barely audible.


    I frowned, my mind sluggish, struggling to piece things together. "Where... am I?"


    "The Orbital Tech clinic. You passed out." Myrrh shifted closer, her brow furrowed with concern. "How are you feeling?"


    "Dizzy... feels like a bad hangover." I winced, slowly raising my head, each movement making the pain in my skull flare.


    "You were out for about thirty minutes," Myrrh explained softly. "I found you on the floor, and Agent Feena, Agent Steve, and I carried you here right away. You felt kind of light, so we were quite worried."


    As if on cue, Agent Feena appeared at the doorway, talking quietly with the clinic nurse. She noticed me stirring and stepped inside, rubbing her temples as if nursing a headache of her own.


    "Agent Feena," I called out, my voice dry. She glanced at me, her expression unreadable. "You okay? You look like you¡¯ve got a headache too. Though I''m pretty sure it''s your hungover."


    She let out an exaggerated sigh. "You''re one of a cheeky bastard, you know that?"


    "Takes one to know one," I shot back weakly, managing a smirk.


    Feena crossed her arms, giving me a once-over. "So, what the hell was that back there? Why''d you pass out? Are you drunk?"


    "You''re the one that was drunk." I said.


    "I''m sober now, thank you very much." She jerked her thumb toward Myrrh. "You should¡¯ve seen her. Myrrh was panicking, like, ''Oh Zaft! What should I do? No, don¡¯t leave me! I can¡¯t live without you!''"


    "Agent Feena!" Myrrh''s face turned crimson, her eyes widening in horror. "I never said that! You''re making things up!"


    "Oh, you didn¡¯t?" Feena teased, scratching her head in mock confusion. "Could¡¯ve fooled me. You sure weren¡¯t subtle. You heavily implied it with your tearful eyes."


    "I did not!" Myrrh buried her face in her hands, her voice muffled by embarrassment.


    Despite the lingering pain, I couldn''t help but chuckle. The warmth in the room, Myrrh¡¯s flustered protests, and Feena¡¯s relentless teasing made the sterile white clinic feel a little less cold.


    ¡°Anyway, the nurse said you¡¯re free to go,¡± Agent Feena announced, crossing her arms. ¡°All your vitals are stable, and you seem to be in perfect condition. Just a little dehydrated, so make sure to drink more water.¡±


    ¡°Dehydration, huh?¡± I murmured, but before I could dwell on it, a sudden jolt of memory crashed into my mind like a tidal wave.


    Binary codes. A stream of fragmented data flashing behind my eyes. The WEEB System¡¯s voice ringing through my skull, delivering a mission that felt far too colossal to be real.


    [Main Quest: Cut down the Cosmic Tree]


    [Failure to do this Quest will erase this reality]


    My breath hitched. I needed to check the WEEB System¡ªconfirm what I¡¯d just seen¡ªbut when I instinctively reached for my wrist, I realized my smartwatch was missing. And the system message¡­ it wasn¡¯t a hologram. It wasn¡¯t projected onto a screen. It was burned directly into my vision.


    I turned to Myrrh, my voice barely above a whisper.


    ¡°Myrrh¡­ Was I holding something when I passed out?¡±


    ¡°Come to think of it, I did notice you were holding this.¡± Myrrh reached into her blazer¡¯s pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. Her fingers smoothed over its creases as she unfolded it, revealing a faded image of an ancient mural. The artwork was intricate, almost hypnotic, but my eyes locked onto the string of binary code scrawled across the surface. The same code. The same message that had burned itself into my mind.


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    Myrrh squinted at the translation scribbled below the image and read aloud, her voice low and cautious.


    ¡°The First Apostle shall cut down the Cosmic Tree before the Cosmic Goddess is resurrected.¡±


    She turned to me, brows furrowed. ¡°This has something to do with you, doesn¡¯t it?¡±


    I gave a slow nod, the weight of the revelation settling heavily in my chest. From the corner of my eye, I noticed Agent Feena¡¯s expression darken. Her usual playful demeanor was gone, replaced with quiet concern.


    ¡°I knew it,¡± she muttered, crossing her arms. ¡°Another piece of the puzzle.¡±


    I shifted towards her, narrowing my eyes. ¡°You know something about this, Feena? The Cosmic Tree¡­ Do you know where to find it?¡±


    Agent Feena hesitated, chewing on her bottom lip. Finally, she sighed. ¡°There was a report. A recorded message from KAWAII agents who¡­ didn¡¯t make it back.¡± Her gaze drifted downward for a moment before she continued. ¡°They claimed they saw a strange tree right next to Archonlight Tower during the Blackout Incident. The thing wasn¡¯t just weird ¡ª it felt wrong.¡±


    I leaned in. ¡°What happened?¡±


    Feena shook her head. ¡°The Red Meteor massacre happened. Those agents were killed before they could gather any solid evidence. By the time we got there, the tree was gone. No trace of it.¡±


    I frowned, falling into deep thought. At least now I had a clue ¡ª a direction. The Cosmic Tree was real, but it had vanished. If I was going to unravel this mystery, I¡¯d have to dig deeper¡­ and brace myself for what I might find.


    ¡°Anyway,¡± Agent Feena stretched her arms above her head, letting out a satisfied sigh. ¡°Enough about the Cosmic Tree. Tomorrow marks the official start of the holidays, so make sure to relax. All that work can wait until next year ¡ª don¡¯t stress yourself over your divine mission, ¡®First Apostle.¡¯¡± She smirked. ¡°You¡¯re heading back to Earth tomorrow, right? Don¡¯t forget to stay hydrated!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am,¡± I muttered, rolling my eyes. ¡°You should take your own advice. You¡¯ve had quite a bit to drink today.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡± Feena snapped a playful salute, then burst into laughter. Her cheeks were flushed, and her steps wobbled slightly ¡ª no doubt she was still feeling the effects of the alcohol.


    As much as I hated to admit it, she was right. Whatever mess I¡¯d gotten tangled in could wait. The holidays were here, and after everything that had happened, I deserved a break. Five days without classes sounded like paradise. I could finally breathe.


    And yet¡­ I couldn¡¯t shake the weight pressing against my chest. That message ¡ª ¡°Failure to do this Quest will erase this reality¡± ¡ª echoed in my mind like a distant thunderclap. What did it mean? Was it some metaphor, or was I really staring down the end of the world?


    I stared at the sterile white ceiling, the clinic¡¯s hum of machinery fading into the background. For now, all I could do was hope that reality would still be here when the holidays were over.


    <><><>


    Since there was nothing abnormal with my condition, they allowed me to head home. Myrrh stayed by my side the entire time ¡ª from signing the discharge papers to quietly walking with me out of the university grounds. As we strolled down the familiar path towards the intersection leading to our dorms, the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm, orange hue across the sky.


    The world felt calm. Peaceful. Each step we took was accompanied only by the soft rustling of leaves and the distant hum of the city. I glanced at Myrrh, noticing the way she clutched the small bouquet of cyberflowers I¡¯d given her earlier. The delicate petals shimmered faintly in the fading sunlight, almost as if they pulsed with a quiet glow.


    But what really caught my attention was Myrrh herself. The sunlight painted golden streaks through her long greenish-blonde hair, making it glisten like strands of silk. The gentle sway of her ponytail with each step made my fingers itch. I wanted to reach out ¡ª to pat her head, just like I knew she secretly liked.


    My hand hovered in the air, mere inches from her hair, when she suddenly broke the silence.


    ¡°So¡­¡± Myrrh muttered softly, her gaze fixed on the path ahead. ¡°Are you really going back to Earth? Tomorrow?¡±


    I quickly retracted my hand, stuffing it into my pocket as if nothing had happened. ¡°Yeah,¡± I replied, trying to sound casual. ¡°I already booked a space shuttle. How about you?¡±


    Myrrh hesitated. Her fingers tightened slightly around the cyberflowers. ¡°I have nothing to go back to,¡± she said quietly, her voice tinged with sadness.


    The warmth in the air felt distant now, the weight of her words settling between us like a quiet shadow.


    ¡°Oh, yeah. About your ex-boyfriend, Ephraim.¡± I shrugged, trying to sound nonchalant. ¡°I completely understand. You¡¯re still bitter.¡±


    ¡°I-It¡¯s not about him!¡± Myrrh pouted, her brows knitting together in irritation. Her lips puffed out slightly, and she shot me a glare that could melt steel. ¡°We sold our house on Earth after high school graduation. Then we migrated here. My mother¡¯s already confined in Xyraxis, and I¡¯ve been living in the women¡¯s dormitory ever since. So¡­ there¡¯s no reason for me to go back and spend my holidays there.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± I scratched the back of my neck, feeling a little guilty for teasing her. ¡°Okay.¡±


    A small smirk crept onto my face anyway. It was kind of amusing how wrong my guess had been.


    Myrrh crossed her arms, cheeks puffing in frustration. ¡°And also,¡± she added, her voice darkening, ¡°I don¡¯t want to see Ephraim¡¯s face. Or that junkie girlfriend of his.¡± She forced a smile, but I could see the cross veins bulging at her temples and the way her fists clenched tightly at her sides. ¡°I swear, if I saw them ¡ª or even their shadows ¡ª I¡¯d transform into a Frame Unit and stomp them into the ground like disgusting bugs.¡±


    ¡­Maybe I was right about my guess after all.


    We walked in silence after that, the sunset casting long shadows across the path. Before long, we reached the intersection between the male and female dormitories ¡ª our usual parting point. The soft amber glow of the setting sun painted the sky behind her, making her greenish-blonde hair shimmer like silk.


    Myrrh stepped in front of me, her cheeks dusted with pink, and held out the cyberflowers I¡¯d given her earlier. The delicate petals glowed faintly in her hands, reflecting the warmth in her eyes.


    ¡°Again, thank you for this, Zaft!¡± Her smile was bright, a stark contrast to her earlier frustration. ¡°I hope you have a¡­ merry happy holiday!¡±


    I felt heat rise to my own cheeks. ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± I mumbled, rubbing the back of my neck. ¡°You too. Have an¡­ awesome holiday.¡±


    She waved, turning towards her dorm. I watched her go, standing there until her silhouette disappeared behind the building. Letting out a long breath, I finally turned and headed for my own dormitory.


    Unfortunately for me, I did not have the "merry happy holiday" that Myrrh wished for.

 Chapter 84 - Sick and Bedridden

    Chapter 84 - Sick and Bedridden


    I stand before an immense, otherworldly tree, its gnarled form stretching a hundred meters into the sky. Its writhing branches twist and coil like living tendrils, as if the tree itself were a slumbering beast caught in an eternal nightmare. The trunk is unlike any I¡¯ve ever seen¡ªdeep spiral gaps carve through its bark, exposing a pulsating golden light that seeps from within, casting eerie shadows across the desolation below.


    This monstrous tree looms over the ruins of a once-thriving city¡ªXyraxis Metropolis. I know this place. I have walked these streets before. But now, everything is dead. The vibrant neon signs that once lit up the skyline have long since faded. The hum of technology, the ever-present buzz of life¡ªit¡¯s all gone.


    What remains is a skeletal husk of a city, an abandoned ruin where silence reigns supreme. Even the Archonlight Tower, the very bastion that once shielded not just this city, but the entire planet, has crumbled into dust.


    A deep, resonant pulse emanates from the tree, hammering against my skull. My head throbs. A piercing, high-pitched ringing fills my left ear, grating against my senses. But in my right ear¡ªsoft, yet unmistakable¡ªI hear a voice.


    "Please kill me. Please kill me. Please kill me. It hurts. It hurts. It hurts."


    The whisper slithers directly into my brain, threading through my thoughts like a parasite burrowing deep. The pain in my head intensifies, a relentless pounding that threatens to split me apart.


    Then, the tree moves. Its massive form unfurls like a grotesque flower in bloom, its glowing crevices expanding. And there, at the very heart of it all¡ª???.


    <><><>


    I jolted awake, gasping for breath. The darkness pressed in around me, heavy and suffocating, as if the remnants of my nightmare still clung to the air. My head throbbed viciously ¡ª each pulse a hammer strike against my skull ¡ª and a wave of dizziness washed over me the moment I tried to sit up.


    Blinking through the haze, I reached for my phone, its dim screen the only source of light in the room. 6:00 AM. Too early, yet far too late for the rest I clearly needed. I groaned softly, remembering my plans. The shuttle terminal. I had to be there by eight.


    I pushed against the mattress, trying to lift myself up. Pain shot through my arms ¡ª weak, trembling, and useless ¡ª as if all the strength had been siphoned from my body overnight. My muscles felt like dead weight, refusing to cooperate. The slightest movement made my head spin, and a deep, cold ache settled into my bones.


    ¡°Ah.¡± The sound escaped my lips, barely more than a breath. My chest felt tight, each inhale shallow and unsatisfying. The dizziness swelled again, twisting my vision. I sank back into the bed, cursing under my breath.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding me. Just how unlucky am I?¡± My voice was a whisper, hoarse and bitter. The chill clung to my skin, wrapping around me like a damp blanket. I shivered and pulled the covers tighter, though it did little to ease the discomfort.


    Resigned, I closed my eyes and tried to relax, hoping that rest would restore some semblance of strength. Time slipped away. When I opened my eyes again, sunlight crept through the cracks in the curtains, casting pale streaks across the room.


    I checked my phone once more. Over an hour had passed. Yet, instead of feeling better, my body felt even heavier. My limbs ached, my head swam, and an overwhelming drowsiness pulled at me like an anchor.


    ¡°I¡¯m definitely sick,¡± I muttered, my voice barely audible. The weight of that realization settled heavily in my chest. So much for making it home for the holidays.


    With sluggish fingers, I tapped out a message, each word feeling like a monumental task.


    Me: Mom, I won¡¯t be able to go home. I¡¯m sick.


    The screen dimmed as I let the phone slip from my grasp, the cold seeping deeper into my body. I closed my eyes once more, surrendering to the feverish haze.


    After sending the message, I let my phone slip from my fingers and closed my eyes, trying to sink back into sleep. The dull ache in my head pulsed with every heartbeat, and my body felt like it was sinking deeper into the mattress. Time drifted in a feverish blur until a faint vibration against my pillow snapped me back to reality.


    I squinted at my phone¡¯s screen. A message from Mom.


    Mom: Okay. Make sure to stay hydrated and take some paracetamol.


    I sighed softly, placing the phone back down. Even though I wouldn¡¯t be making it back home for the holidays ¡ª even though I¡¯d be stuck in this dormitory for the next five days ¡ª I needed to focus on recovering. Still, I couldn¡¯t shake the bitter disappointment that settled in my chest.


    The thought lingered, heavy and unwanted. This holiday was going to be even duller now that I was bedridden. No warm meals with family. No seeing old friends. Just me, this cold room, and my pounding head.


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    Suddenly, my phone buzzed again, the sound sharp against the silence. I reached for it, expecting another message from Mom, but froze when I saw the sender. Myrrh.


    Myrrh: Have a safe trip! Please give my regards to Jessica and Joana. They¡¯re your classmates, right? They were a huge part of the student government and the high school judo club.


    I stared at the message, a wave of regret washing over me. I should¡¯ve told her earlier. With a slow, tired exhale, I typed out a reply.


    Me: I won¡¯t be going back to Earth. I feel sick.


    A few seconds passed before my screen lit up again.


    Myrrh: (???)


    Myrrh: Wait, where are you right now?


    I frowned.


    Me: I¡¯m in my room here in the dormitory.


    Me: Why?


    Her response was almost immediate.


    Myrrh: I¡¯ll come over.


    I blinked, sitting up slightly despite the sharp ache in my head.


    Me: What?


    Me: Wait, why?


    The screen stayed quiet for a moment, but my heart pounded a little harder now. I stared at the phone, half in disbelief, half in anticipation, waiting for her next message.


    Myrrh didn¡¯t reply. Not even a ¡°seen¡± mark. The silence felt heavier than it should have, leaving me to stare at the dim screen. With a weary sigh, I set the phone aside and pulled my thick blanket over myself. Despite the warmth of the room, an icy chill crept beneath my skin, raising goosebumps along my arms. My head throbbed, my body ached, and the fever gnawed at me like a relentless parasite.


    Five minutes passed. Then¡ªknock, knock, knock.


    The soft raps against my door echoed through the stillness. Then came a voice.


    ¡°Zaft? Are you there?¡±


    Myrrh.


    I blinked in disbelief. ¡°Y-yeah. Coming,¡± I croaked, my voice barely more than a whisper.


    Summoning what little strength I had, I pushed myself up, limbs trembling beneath the weight of my fever. I staggered toward the door, leaning heavily against the wall for support. Each step felt sluggish, the floor tilting slightly beneath me. Finally, I reached the handle and pulled the door open.


    There she stood.


    Myrrh.


    She wore a simple white blouse, its soft fabric flowing over her frame, and a pair of jean shorts that revealed her long, slender legs. Her greenish-blonde hair cascaded down her back, catching the light in soft waves. But what caught me most were her eyes¡ªcool, clear blue, filled with quiet concern.


    ¡°M-Myrrh!?¡± I gasped, gripping the doorframe for balance. ¡°W-what are you doing here?¡±


    She folded her arms, pouting slightly. ¡°I told you I was coming over, didn¡¯t I? Or did you not read my messages?¡±


    I blinked. ¡°You¡¯re one to talk¡­¡± I muttered under my breath.


    Her expression softened as she stepped closer. ¡°How are you feeling?¡± She reached out, pressing her soft palm against my forehead. Her touch was gentle, almost soothing, but the sudden coolness against my feverish skin made me shiver.


    ¡°You¡¯re burning up,¡± she said quietly, brows knitting together. ¡°Mind if I invite myself in? I don¡¯t think you should be standing.¡±


    ¡°Y-yeah, sure.¡± My voice wavered as I turned back toward my bed, sinking into the mattress with a heavy sigh. Myrrh followed, closing the door behind her with a soft click.


    The room felt a little less cold now.


    Myrrh took a careful step into my room, her blue eyes sweeping across the space like she was exploring uncharted territory. Her gaze lingered on the ceiling for a moment before drifting to the walls, where the poster of an anime girl from the latest hit series stared back at her. She moved further in, her eyes catching the robot plastic model I¡¯d painstakingly built just days ago, proudly displayed on my desk. Nearby, a precarious stack of superhero comics teetered against our university textbooks, both fighting for dominance over the limited desk space.


    ¡°Hmm. Weird,¡± Myrrh muttered under her breath.


    I squinted at her. ¡°What?¡± I croaked. ¡°You sound like you¡¯re exploring an alien planet.¡±


    ¡°Well, you are an alien. At least you look like one.¡± She shot me a teasing smirk, then wrinkled her nose slightly and whispered to herself, ¡°It smells like a boy¡¯s room in here, but¡­ for some reason, it¡¯s not disgusting.¡±


    I groaned, sinking deeper into my blanket. ¡°Nobody asked you to come over. You can leave if you¡¯re just gonna add to my headache.¡±


    ¡°Just kidding~¡± Myrrh giggled, brushing off my complaint as she plopped down onto the edge of my bed. Her weight shifted the mattress slightly, sending a ripple through the blanket that made me shiver. She grabbed a touchscreen thermometer from her bag and held it up.


    ¡°Here,¡± she said, her voice softening. ¡°Say ¡®ah.¡¯¡±


    I sighed, too tired to argue. ¡°Aaaah.¡±


    Myrrh gently slid the thermometer under my tongue. The device hummed softly, projecting a small holographic display in the air. Numbers flickered for a moment before settling on a glowing red 38.5¡ãC.


    ¡°You have a fever,¡± she confirmed, brows furrowing.


    ¡°No shit, Sherlock,¡± I muttered, my voice laced with sarcasm. ¡°I already knew that.¡±


    Myrrh just rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. The room fell quiet for a moment, the only sounds being the soft hum of the thermometer and my own ragged breathing. Somehow, with her sitting there, the cold didn¡¯t feel quite as bad anymore.


    ¡°Do you have any medicine here?¡± Myrrh asked, glancing around the room as if painkillers might magically appear on my cluttered desk.


    ¡°None,¡± I muttered, sinking deeper into my blanket.


    ¡°How about water?¡±


    ¡°My flask is empty. I forgot to refill my thermos too.¡±


    Myrrh let out a soft sigh, crossing her arms. ¡°Okay, stay there and rest. Since the university clinic is closed, I¡¯ll run to the pharmacy and grab some water and meds.¡± She pushed herself up from the bed, her tone leaving no room for argument.


    ¡°You don¡¯t really need to¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll pick up some instant hot porridge while I¡¯m at it.¡± She cut me off, already halfway to the door. ¡°Oh, by the way, what do you want for lunch?¡±


    I blinked at her, baffled by how quickly she was taking charge. A tired smile tugged at the corner of my lips. If Myrrh wanted to play nurse, who was I to stop her? It sure beat rotting in bed alone until the holiday was over.


    ¡°Sammelplatz Pizza,¡± I mumbled, barely loud enough to be heard.


    Myrrh¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Wow!¡± she beamed. ¡°Excellent choice. I¡¯ll grab one family-size box!¡± She spun on her heel, giving me a playful wink. ¡°Just stay down and rest, okay? I¡¯ll be back in a jiffy.¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am,¡± I chuckled weakly, saluting her with trembling fingers. ¡°Oh, wait.¡±


    She paused, turning back toward me. I fumbled through my bedside drawer, fingers clumsy with fever, until I found my keycard. Stretching out my arm, I handed it to her.


    ¡°Here,¡± I said. ¡°Just use this to get in and out of my room. No need to wake me up.¡±


    Myrrh stared at the keycard for a moment, her expression unreadable. Then, with a small, grateful smile, she accepted it.


    ¡°Got it.¡± She slipped the card into her pocket, her smile lingering for just a heartbeat longer before she turned and disappeared out the door.


    The room felt a little quieter after she left. A little colder.


    I sighed and sank back into the blankets, my eyelids growing heavier. Maybe being sick wasn¡¯t so bad after all.

 Chapter 85 - Caregiver

    Chapter 85 - Caregiver


    I drifted into sleep, peaceful and safe, cocooned in the quiet comfort of knowing someone was looking out for me. Myrrh was out there, buying food and medicine, and that simple fact settled a warmth in my chest. Even in my feverish haze, it eased my mind enough to let me rest.


    The soft click of my door opening stirred me awake. Blinking groggily, I turned my head to see Myrrh stepping inside, the faint hallway light casting a soft glow around her. She balanced a large pizza box in one hand and a bulging grocery bag in the other, her greenish-blonde hair catching the light like a streak of fresh spring.


    ¡°Pizza delivery...¡± Myrrh announced with a playful lilt, her cute silent voice cutting through the quiet as she set the pizza box down on my desk. The scent of melted cheese and spices drifted through the room, mingling with the cool, sterile smell of the medicine bottles she pulled from the grocery bag. Alongside them, she laid out bottled water and a few colorful sports drinks, their condensation glistening under the soft room light.


    I grabbed my phone and squinted at the screen. Two hours had passed since she left. I pushed myself up, my head swimming with the effort. ¡°It¡¯s been two hours, huh? I slept like a log and didn¡¯t even realize you¡¯d been out that long.¡± My voice was hoarse, each word dragging a little more energy from me.


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Myrrh gave me a sheepish grin, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. ¡°I had to beat up an old lady just to get that last discount pizza coupon.¡± She chuckled, the corners of her eyes crinkling in amusement. Before I could respond, she knelt beside me, pressing a cold tablet into my palm and holding up two bottles for me to choose from. ¡°Water, or sports drink?¡±


    ¡°Water for now,¡± I croaked, popping the tablet into my mouth and washing it down with a long swig from the bottle. The coolness slid down my throat, soothing the rawness there, though the lingering dizziness made me sink back onto my pillows.


    Myrrh stood and stretched, glancing toward the kitchen. ¡°May I borrow your rice cooker? I¡¯ll make you some porridge.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± I waved a weak hand in the air, my eyelids already drooping again. ¡°I¡¯ll just lay here and feel sorry for myself.¡±


    Myrrh scoffed adorably at my comment, her nose crinkling as she rolled her eyes. Without missing a beat, she turned back to the other side of the room, unpacking the ingredients she''d bought from the convenience store. To be honest, she¡¯d taken a bit of a shortcut ¡ª the porridge came in a ready-to-cook pack ¡ª but she still added a personal touch, cracking an egg into the pot and tossing in some greens. The gentle simmer of the rice cooker filled the quiet, accompanied by the soft clinking of utensils as she stirred.


    I didn¡¯t tell her, but sleep felt impossible now. Hunger gnawed at my stomach, making it rumble loud enough to be embarrassing. The rich, savory aroma of the porridge drifted through the room, curling into my nose and making my mouth water. I shifted under the blankets, watching her quietly from my bed, though she didn¡¯t seem to notice.


    A few minutes later, Myrrh glanced over her shoulder to check on me. Our eyes met. She blinked, startled, then smiled shyly, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks.


    ¡°It¡¯s ready. I hope it suits your taste buds,¡± she said, carefully ladling the porridge into a bowl. The steam rose in soft tendrils, carrying the comforting scent of warm broth and fresh greens.


    I smirked, pushing myself up a little. ¡°I just hope it¡¯s edible.¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Wow. Rude.¡± She pouted, crossing her arms over her chest. ¡°Even I can cook something this simple. This is, like, a basic skill.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± I muttered, eyeing the porridge warily. ¡°Basic skill. Says the girl who bought a ready-to-cook pack.¡±


    She huffed and shoved the bowl toward me, but I wasn¡¯t about to complain anymore. Not when the warmth of the bowl seeped into my hands and the smell alone made my stomach growl again. Whatever shortcuts she took didn¡¯t matter. I was starving.


    I took a cautious sip of the porridge at first, letting the warmth spread through me. To my surprise, it was delicious ¡ª the soft rice soaked up the rich broth, while the tender greens and silky egg added just the right balance of flavor and texture. Before I knew it, I was devouring the entire bowl, each spoonful disappearing faster than the last.


    Meanwhile, Myrrh had settled onto the chair by my desk, already chomping down on her first slice of cheesy, meaty pizza. The gooey mozzarella stretched between each bite, and the savory aroma of bacon and sausage mingled with the lingering scent of the porridge. I stared at her, still hungry.


    ¡°See?¡± Myrrh laughed, noticing my empty bowl. ¡°I told you I¡¯m a delicious cook! You didn¡¯t even have time to make a remark ¡ª you just inhaled it!¡±


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah,¡± I groaned, leaning back against the pillows. ¡°I commend you for it, Chef Myrrh Alicent.¡± I raised a hand, motioning toward the pizza box. ¡°Now hand me some of those slices before I starve again.¡±


    Myrrh smirked but obliged, plucking a slice from the box and passing it over. The moment I took a bite, the flavors exploded in my mouth ¡ª crispy bacon, juicy sausage, and molten cheese, all sitting atop a perfectly golden crust. One slice wasn¡¯t enough. I grabbed another. Then another. Before long, I was matching Myrrh¡¯s pace, the two of us devouring the pizza as if it held the cure to my lingering dizziness.


    ¡°Sammelplatz Pizza is the best, right?¡± Myrrh said dreamily, holding her half-eaten slice aloft like a sacred relic. ¡°The cheese, the meat¡­ It¡¯s enough to give you energy and wash all your pain away, right? Right?¡±


    I shrugged, swallowing another bite. ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡±


    Myrrh gasped, clutching her chest as if I¡¯d mortally wounded her. ¡°You always say that! ¡®It¡¯s okay,¡¯ ¡®It¡¯s fine,¡¯ ¡®It¡¯s alright¡¯¡­ but deep down, you know Sammelplatz Pizza is a gift from the food gods!¡±


    I didn¡¯t bother replying. The only sound was the soft crunch of the crust as I kept chewing, Myrrh¡¯s dramatic declaration fading into the background.


    Honestly, Sammelplatz pizza was one of the most delicious pizzas I¡¯d ever eaten. Every bite was a perfect storm of molten cheese and savory meats, balanced on a crust that managed to be both crispy and soft. It wasn¡¯t even an acquired taste ¡ª it was instant gratification. Still, every time I watched the cheese stretch from my slice or saw the glistening sheen of oil on the bacon, I could almost feel my arteries protesting. But right now? I didn¡¯t care. Hunger made the decision for me.


    As we ate, the quiet warmth between us settled in. The only sounds were the occasional crunch of crust and the soft hum of the rice cooker cooling down. Eventually, I broke the silence.


    ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s okay for you to be taking care of me?¡± I asked, glancing at Myrrh between bites. ¡°Don¡¯t you have plans today?¡±


    Myrrh shrugged, wiping her fingers with a napkin. ¡°I¡¯ve got none.¡± She leaned back in her chair, her greenish-blonde hair falling over her shoulder as she looked toward the window. ¡°My mom¡¯s undergoing therapy right now, so I won¡¯t be able to visit her until the end of the Xyraxis New Year.¡± She sighed softly, the faintest hint of sadness crossing her face. ¡°I¡¯m pretty much free for the next few days. Besides¡­¡± She glanced at me, her eyes softening. ¡°You needed help. There¡¯s no way I¡¯d leave you alone like this.¡±


    Her words hit me harder than I expected. I felt a warmth rise in my chest ¡ª and maybe a bit of color in my face ¡ª as I looked away. I never realized Myrrh cared that much. Maybe I should tone down the teasing¡­ at least a little.


    By the time we finished eating, only three slices of pizza remained, sitting forlorn in the grease-stained box. Myrrh had even brought pudding from the grocery store, which we devoured in content silence.


    Afterward, she quietly tidied up, stacking empty bottles and tossing wrappers into the trash. I sank back into my bed, the soft hum of the heater lulling me into a state of lazy comfort.


    But boredom crept in quickly. After a few minutes of staring at the ceiling, I pulled out my phone and booted up a game. The familiar sound of gunfire crackled through the speakers, sharp and sudden against the quiet.


    Myrrh¡¯s head snapped toward me. ¡°Is that Battle Royale?¡± she asked, eyes lighting up with sudden interest. ¡°What rank are you?¡±


    ¡°Silver. Why?¡± I asked, eyes still on my screen as I reloaded behind cover.


    Myrrh let out a smug chuckle. ¡°I¡¯m already Platinum. I used to grind this game to relieve stress during midterms ¡ª y¡¯know, back when I got partnered up with a mischievous headache of a hooligan.¡± She shot me a look, her lips curling into a playful smirk.


    I scoffed. ¡°How the hell can you brag and insult me at the same time?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a talent. A basic skill.¡± She winked. ¡°Hey, wanna squad up? I¡¯ll finish cleaning up first, and then I can carry your sorry Silver ass to Gold.¡±


    I rolled my eyes, but a grin tugged at the corner of my lips. ¡°Fine, fine. Let¡¯s see if your arrogance holds water.¡±


    Once Myrrh tidied up the last of the dishes and tossed the pizza box into the trash, she plopped down at my desk and pulled out her phone. We queued up as a duo, the game¡¯s loading screen glowing faintly in the dim room.


    The match started, and it became painfully clear that Myrrh wasn¡¯t just boasting. She moved through the map with smooth precision, darting between cover and popping headshots like it was second nature. Meanwhile, I trailed behind her like a lost puppy, constantly getting ambushed or missing my shots. Every time I got knocked down, Myrrh swept in, guns blazing, clearing the enemies before crouching beside me to revive me for the third ¡ª or was it fourth? ¡ª time.


    By the time the match hit the final circle, Myrrh was a one-woman army. I barely got a shot in before she snagged the final kill, the words "Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!" flashing across the screen.


    ¡°See?¡± Myrrh flicked her greenish-blonde hair over her shoulder with exaggerated sass. ¡°Told you ¡ª this game is just a basic skill.¡±


    I let out a breathless laugh, shaking my head in defeat. ¡°Everything¡¯s a ¡®basic skill¡¯ for you.¡±


    She grinned triumphantly, the soft glow of our phones reflecting in her eyes. As frustrating as it was to be carried so hard, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a little grateful. Even if I was losing miserably, playing with Myrrh made things feel a bit warmer.


    Myrrh and I continued our gaming session for hours, our fingers growing sore from tapping the screens. After our fourth consecutive win, she let out a long, exaggerated sigh and flopped back in her chair.


    ¡°This is so boring,¡± she groaned. ¡°We¡¯re winning too much. There¡¯s no thrill anymore.¡±


    I chuckled, stretching my arms above my head. ¡°Guess we really are compatible as partners ¡ª not just in Frame Unit combat, but in gaming too.¡±


    Myrrh blinked at me, then blushed slightly, her lips curling into a soft smile. She set her phone down on the desk and scooted closer, her warmth brushing against me.


    ¡°Hey, Zaft¡­¡± she whispered.


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± I turned toward her, only to realize just how close she was. Her face was inches from mine, her greenish-blonde hair falling over her shoulder, the faint scent of her shampoo lingering in the air. My heart skipped a beat.


    She hesitated for a moment, her eyes searching mine. Then, with a soft breath, she asked, ¡°Do you want to have sex?¡±

 Chapter 86 - A Bed for Two

    Chapter 86 - A Bed for Two


    ¡°W-what did you just say?¡± I blinked, trying to shake off the fog in my head.


    ¡°I¡¯m quite bored playing games. Do you want to watch a movie?¡± Myrrh asked, her tone oddly serious. Her sapphire eyes met mine, steady and unreadable.


    I stared at her, my thoughts sluggish. Did I mishear that? There wasn¡¯t the slightest hint on her face that she¡¯d said anything strange, but the dull ache behind my eyes and the faint dizziness swirling in my head made me question everything. Maybe my brain was just making things up.


    It took me a long, awkward moment before I managed to respond. ¡°Y-yeah, sure.¡± I scoffed, rubbing the back of my neck. ¡°I thought you just asked me to have sex.¡±


    ¡°What!?¡± Myrrh¡¯s voice shot up an octave. Her face burned crimson, her hands clutching the hem of her dress in mortification. ¡°K-know your place, you buffoon! Not in a million years!¡± She practically shrieked, her whole body stiff with embarrassment.


    I couldn¡¯t help but chuckle, the sound low and teasing. Moments like these were comfortable in their own way ¡ª Myrrh would never take my jokes seriously, and honestly, I just wanted to double-check that I really misheard her. Judging by her reaction, I definitely did. Maybe it was just the dizziness messing with me.


    ¡°Let me borrow your laptop.¡± Myrrh huffed, flipping her ponytail over her shoulder as if that would somehow erase the awkwardness. ¡°I bought this rom-com from Flix a while ago. It¡¯s been sitting in my backlog since I¡¯ve been too busy.¡± She reached over, booting up my laptop with the swift efficiency of someone who had done it a hundred times before.


    ¡°You should¡¯ve just pirated the movie,¡± I muttered, watching her fuss with my laptop.


    Myrrh shot me a sharp glare, pouting slightly. ¡°I¡¯m not a criminal street thug like you, you know.¡± Her tone was haughty, but the way she scrunched her nose made it almost cute.


    She slid a micro card into the laptop, fingers moving with practiced ease. With a few clicks, the screen flickered and shifted into projector mode, casting a soft glow across the room as the movie splashed onto the wall. The dim light made her lime-blonde hair shimmer faintly, the black ribbons tied in her ponytail catching the glow.


    I shifted, expecting her to sit in the chair like always, but instead, she started piling up pillows behind me, fluffing them until I was practically nestled in a makeshift throne. I blinked in surprise at the unexpected kindness, but before I could comment, Myrrh did something even more unexpected.


    She sat down on my bed.


    ¡°Hey, scoot over,¡± she said, her voice quiet but firm, her face tinged pink.


    ¡°Huh?¡± I felt my whole body stiffen. Heat crept up my neck, and I turned to her, wide-eyed. ¡°Are you seriously gonna share a bed with me?¡±


    ¡°You really make it sound like we¡¯re intimate, huh?¡± Myrrh rolled her eyes, though the redness in her cheeks betrayed her nonchalance. ¡°I just want to watch the movie comfortably. My back is killing me from sitting in that chair for hours.¡±


    ¡°Eeeeeh¡­¡± I cringed, reluctantly shifting to the side to give her some space. The bed dipped slightly as she settled next to me, her warmth radiating through the thin blanket. ¡°Don¡¯t blame me if you catch my cold.¡±


    ¡°In that case,¡± Myrrh smirked, folding her arms behind her head and leaning back, ¡°I¡¯ll be counting on you to be my slave nurse when I get sick.¡±


    ¡°Whatever,¡± I muttered, trying to sound indifferent, but my heart was thudding loudly in my chest. I stared at the movie flickering on the wall, though I wasn¡¯t sure if I¡¯d be able to focus on it at all.


    Myrrh laid beside me, her body sinking slightly into the mattress, and for a moment, the reality of the situation hit me. We looked like a married couple ¡ª sharing the same bed, watching the same movie on a big projected screen, the soft flicker of light dancing across the walls. The fresh scent of her shampoo drifted toward me, something light and floral, calming the faint dizziness in my head.


    As the opening credits rolled, the room bathed in the soft glow of the projector, Myrrh broke the silence with a question that came out of nowhere.


    ¡°Your sickness. Is it related to the binary codes and the Cosmic Tree?¡±


    I froze. The warmth of her presence faded into the background as my mind stumbled over her words. Slowly, I turned my head to look at her. She was still facing the screen, her expression unreadable, eyes reflecting the soft light of the movie.


    ¡°Bingo,¡± I finally muttered. ¡°You got it. I had a dream about it last night, but¡­ it was so vague I forgot most of it.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm.¡± Myrrh shifted slightly, the bed creaking softly under her weight. ¡°Do you remember that karaoke night after we won the Licensure Examination Tournament?¡±


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    I blinked. ¡°Oh, you mean that time you and Dianca had a booby-softness match?¡± I asked, smirking at the memory.


    Myrrh¡¯s head whipped toward me, her cheeks flushing a deep crimson. ¡°You¡¯re misremembering things. That did not happen.¡±


    ¡°It did.¡±


    ¡°IT DID NOT!¡± she barked, glaring daggers at me. Her face was so close now, I could feel her breath brush against my skin. "You want me to knock your brain out?"


    "Please don''t. I''m still sick." I cried. That was more than enough for me to shut up.


    She huffed, crossing her arms as she settled back into the pillows. ¡°Anyway, that¡¯s beside the point. Do you remember what Neil spouted that night, when we were all crazy drunk?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not so sure,¡± I said, rubbing the back of my neck, ¡°but he was imitating something about destroying reality and¡­¡± I trailed off, the memory hazy, like trying to grab smoke.


    ¡°He said something about the Cosmic Tree,¡± Myrrh added, her tone low and serious.


    I frowned, staring at the shifting shadows on the wall. Come to think of it, Neil once told me a strange story from his childhood ¡ª something about being rescued after getting trapped in a mass of roots or vines. At the time, I brushed it off as one of his stupid ramblings. But now, with everything that had happened¡­ maybe there was more to it. A quiet part of me had always suspected Neil might be a key to unlocking the mystery of the Cosmic Tree, but I kept pushing the thought aside.


    ¡°I¡¯ll try to ask him about it next year. You know, once classes resume,¡± I muttered.


    ¡°Oh yeah, sure. Ask him on a date or something.¡± Myrrh¡¯s serious demeanor vanished, replaced by a smug grin. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say Neil is totally gay for you? Maybe take him out for a romantic candlelit dinner. I even know a nice restaurant. Or, if you¡¯re feeling adventurous, there¡¯s a love hotel I can recommend.¡± She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.


    ¡°Shut up. The movie¡¯s starting,¡± I grumbled, sinking lower into the pillows as the screen flickered with the first scenes.


    And just like that, the thoughts of the Cosmic Tree and Neil faded into the background, lost in the glow of the projector. The room filled with soft laughter and delighted squeals as we got sucked into the rom-com¡¯s antics. Myrrh giggled beside me, occasionally making snide comments about the characters, while I just enjoyed the warmth of her presence and the easy rhythm of our banter.


    When the credits rolled, we swapped the fluffy romance for something darker ¡ª a horror flick from my collection of illegally downloaded movies from the dark web. The shift in atmosphere was immediate, the room growing colder as shadows danced on the walls. Myrrh clung to the blanket during the jump scares, though she¡¯d never admit it. After that, we put on a documentary about ancient civilizations and alien conspiracies, the eerie background music lulling me into a strange, half-dazed state.


    We binged through movie after movie until night settled in, the hours slipping away unnoticed. Somewhere between the ancient astronaut theories and a rambling monologue about pyramid energy, my eyelids grew heavier. The warmth of the blankets, the soft hum of the projector, and Myrrh¡¯s quiet breathing beside me made it impossible to stay awake.


    Before I knew it, sleep took me.


    <><><>


    Morning came softly. The first rays of sunlight crept through the window, brushing against my face and stirring me from sleep. I turned over with a quiet groan, trying to escape the brightness ¡ª and nearly had a heart attack.


    Lying beside me was Myrrh, sleeping soundly, her chest rising and falling in a peaceful rhythm.


    My breath caught. Up close, Myrrh was¡­ beautiful. The soft morning light painted her pinkish-white skin with a gentle glow. Her long eyelashes fanned out delicately over her cheeks, and her lips, slightly parted, looked almost too perfect. Strands of her greenish-blonde hair spilled across the pillow, silky smooth, catching the sunlight in faint golden streaks. We were so close, our faces mere inches apart. If I leaned forward, we¡¯d be¡­


    I gulped, heat rising in my cheeks. Myrrh would punch me into next week if she caught me staring at her like this. No ¡ª scratch that ¡ª she¡¯d go full judo on me if she realized she¡¯d spent the night in the same bed as me. I carefully shifted, moving with the precision of a bomb defuser, as I slid out from under the blanket. Each creak of the mattress made my heart race.


    Finally, I stood up, exhaling quietly. That¡¯s when I noticed something odd ¡ª the dizziness, the pounding headache that had plagued me yesterday¡­ they were gone. I felt completely fine. Better than fine. My body felt light, like I¡¯d just respawned at full health in a game.


    Weird.


    Shaking off the thought, I grabbed my face towel and tiptoed out of the room, padding down the corridor toward the lavatory. The dormitory was eerily quiet. As I passed each door, I noticed that every room on this floor was marked red ¡ª a sign that its occupant was away. Looked like I was the only one left for the holidays. The silence pressed against my ears, making my footsteps feel unnaturally loud.


    The cold water in the sink was a refreshing shock. I splashed my face a few times, watching the droplets slide down my reflection in the mirror. My heart had finally stopped racing, though the image of Myrrh sleeping so close still lingered in my mind. I let out a long breath and dried off, deciding it was time to head back.


    As I opened the door to my room, the soft creak of the hinges broke the silence. I froze. On the bed, Myrrh stirred. Her eyelids fluttered before slowly opening, her blue eyes hazy with sleep as they locked onto mine.


    Crap.


    Her eyes snapped open, sapphire irises locking onto mine as the realization dawned. Her face flushed a deep crimson, the color creeping all the way to the tips of her ears.


    ¡°W-Wah¡ª¡±


    Before she could finish, an idea struck me. I knew exactly how these situations played out in movies and shows ¡ª the girl would scream, the guy would panic, chaos would ensue. But this time? I decided to flip the script.


    ¡°Eeeeeek!¡± I shrieked dramatically, clutching the blanket around me like a damsel in distress. ¡°A perverted stranger slept in my bed! H-Help! Somebody call the police!¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s jaw dropped. ¡°What!? Who are you calling a perverted stranger!?¡±


    I pointed an accusatory finger at her, trying to keep a straight face. ¡°A perverted woman I know slept in my bed!¡±


    Her expression twisted into disbelief. ¡°So I¡¯m a pervert either way, huh?¡± she groaned, rubbing her temples.


    I gasped, clutching my chest as if my honor had been tarnished. ¡°D-Did you¡­ did you take my virginity!?¡± I whimpered, eyes wide with mock horror. ¡°I-I feel so violated¡­¡±


    ¡°STOP WITH YOUR STUPID ANTICS!¡± Myrrh screeched, grabbing the nearest pillow and hurling it at my face. The soft impact nearly knocked me off balance, feathers flying everywhere. I barely caught myself from toppling over, laughter bubbling out of me.


    Myrrh crossed her arms and turned away, cheeks still burning red. ¡°Idiot¡­¡± she muttered under her breath.


    I couldn¡¯t help but grin. Totally worth it.

 Chapter 87 - Sunk-Cost Fallacy Breakfast

    Chapter 87 - Sunk-Cost Fallacy Breakfast


    The school cafeteria was closed, its metal shutters pulled down with a finality that left no room for negotiation, so Myrrh and I wandered to the nearest fast food joint for breakfast. The place had that familiar hum of morning activity ¡ª coffee machines hissing, trays clattering, and soft chatter filling the air.


    We ordered the same thing: golden hash browns glistening with oil, fluffy scrambled eggs, and crisp, smoky bacon. The meal came with steaming cups of creamy coffee, each sip melting away the lingering morning haze and jolting us awake.


    Myrrh stirred her coffee absentmindedly, the spoon clinking softly against the ceramic cup. "Are you sure you''re fine now?" she asked, her eyes flickering with concern as she glanced over at me.


    "I¡¯m fully healed now, no need to worry about me," I said, flashing her a reassuring smile before popping a forkful of bacon into my mouth. The savory crunch filled my senses, but my mind was already drifting elsewhere. "I¡¯m just worried about what I should do today. Going back to Earth would be counterproductive since I¡¯ve already wasted two days here, and booking a space shuttle ticket at this rate would be impossible."


    "Huh." Myrrh leaned back slightly, her gaze thoughtful. "I guess we¡¯re both stuck with each other for this week."


    The conversation lapsed into silence, the only sounds between us the soft clatter of utensils against plastic trays and the distant hum of the kitchen. I stared into my coffee, its surface swirling with delicate clouds of cream, while Myrrh scrolled through her phone. I didn¡¯t pay her much attention until she shifted slightly, angling the screen towards me.


    "Hey," she said, a playful lilt in her voice. "Does this look sexier than the bodysuit Orbital Tech issued us?"


    I blinked, my eyes falling on the image of Myrrh in a sleek white and blue bodysuit. The fabric hugged her figure perfectly, the bold contrast of colors accentuating her curves in ways that made my brain short-circuit for a second. She looked stunning ¡ª like some kind of futuristic heroine ready to dive into action.


    "Yeah," I muttered, trying not to choke on my coffee. "That pure white university bodysuit looks pretty bland compared to that."


    I wanted to add that the color contrast made her sexy silhouette look even more striking, but I swallowed the thought along with my next bite of bacon. Some things are better left unsaid.


    ¡°How about this?¡± Myrrh swiped her phone and tilted the screen toward me, revealing another picture of herself in a sleek blue and black bodysuit. The contrast between the colors hugged her figure, making the suit look both futuristic and stylish. ¡°Doesn¡¯t this look cooler?¡±


    I glanced at the image while cutting into my eggs. ¡°Yeah, that darker shade makes you look a bit more awesome.¡± I chewed thoughtfully. ¡°I usually prefer white, but I think the black and blue one suits you best.¡±


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll go with this then.¡± Myrrh smiled, seeming pleased with my answer.


    I raised an eyebrow. ¡°Why are you letting me pick your bodysuit anyway?¡±


    With a flick of her long hair, she smirked. ¡°Well, you¡¯re the only guy around I can ask about this. I know you always stare at me, getting all hot and bothered over my perfect, sexy body¡ªso obviously, you¡¯re the best person to judge. You''re such a gooner goon after all.¡±


    I nearly choked on my coffee. ¡°You really know how to insult me between the lines, huh?¡± I forced a smile, shaking my head.


    ¡°Never mind that.¡± Myrrh casually ignored my reaction as she swiped to another image. ¡°How about this one?¡± She leaned in, showing me another bodysuit¡ªthis time, black with bold red accents that gave it a striking, almost dangerous edge.


    Before I could comment, a soft beep interrupted the moment. Her phone screen flickered with a chat notification, and my stomach dropped slightly when I saw the name. A familiar one.


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    It was him¡ªthe effortlessly handsome guy from our high school days. Myrrh¡¯s ex.


    It was Ephraim.


    The screen lit up with his name, clear as day, making my stomach twist.


    Ephraim: Good morning, Myrrh. Please, I want to talk to you.


    I blinked. Once. Twice. My jaw hung open, the words sinking in slowly. My heart gave a dull ache ¡ª brief, but enough to leave a weight in my chest.


    ¡°So? How is it?¡± Myrrh asked, leaning in, her lime-blonde ponytail swaying slightly with the movement.


    ¡°All I can see is your ex-boyfriend greeting you.¡± I cringed, the sour taste of awkwardness settling in my throat.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Myrrh frowned, yanking her phone closer. Her eyes narrowed at the screen. ¡°No way! I blocked his other six accounts already! There was a seventh?¡±


    ¡°How the hell does he keep making all those social media accounts?¡± I muttered, shaking my head.


    Myrrh¡¯s fingers flew across her phone, her brows furrowing with each tap before she finally set it down with a heavy sigh. ¡°There. Blocked again. That¡¯s what he gets for dumping me.¡±


    I forced a smile, trying to lighten the mood. ¡°Aren¡¯t you being a little harsh?¡±


    She scoffed, crossing her arms. ¡°Don¡¯t you think cheating on me was harsh enough?¡± Her eyes darkened, the weight of old wounds making her words sharp. ¡°Jennifer told me Ephraim and that drug-addict bitch Clarisse broke up. Maybe that¡¯s why he¡¯s suddenly pestering me again.¡±


    The air between us grew heavier, the echoes of past heartbreak lingering in the silence.


    ¡°Ooooh¡­¡± I leaned forward with a teasing grin. ¡°Maybe Ephraim wants to rekindle the flame. You two have been in love since you were kids, right? Twelve years, wasn¡¯t it? Maybe you should reconsider.¡±


    Myrrh huffed, crossing her arms ¡ª a motion that made her frilly green dress shift slightly, her bosom giving a subtle jiggle. ¡°That¡¯s where you¡¯re wrong, Zaft.¡± Her eyes narrowed, a sharpness creeping into her tone. ¡°That¡¯s a sunk-cost fallacy. A decade of love means nothing if he cheated and dumped me for someone else. I refuse to go through what my mother endured.¡±


    That caught my attention. I rubbed my chin thoughtfully. ¡°Now I¡¯m curious. What¡¯s your mom¡¯s love story?¡±


    Myrrh scoffed, leaning back in her chair, her green ponytail sliding over her shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s nothing special. My parents met here in Xyraxis while training as WAIFUs and support units. They worked together, fought side by side, and eventually fell in love. Sounds romantic, right?¡± She let out a bitter chuckle. ¡°Little did my mom know, she was just the side chick. Turns out my dad had a whole family back on Earth.¡± Her eyes flicked to the side, voice dripping with sarcasm. ¡°Classic, huh? Anyway, that¡¯s the gist. You should ask my mom for the full drama next time.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll be sure to do that.¡± I scratched the back of my neck, trying to process the weight behind her words. ¡°But back to the elephant in the room¡­ what about Ephraim?¡±


    Myrrh rolled her eyes, flipping her hair over her shoulder with a flick of her fingers. ¡°I¡¯ll just ignore him until he dies. That¡¯s the plan. The end. Moving on.¡± She tossed a playful smirk my way, slipping effortlessly back into her usual sassy attitude.


    Seeing Myrrh so irritated about love was¡­ priceless. Her sharp words, the way her nose scrunched up slightly, and the little huffs of frustration ¡ª it was almost too easy to poke fun at her.


    I wanted to tease her more, to see her squirm and fire back with that signature sass. But for some reason, a heavier part of me held back. Maybe it was the look in her eyes, or maybe I was just afraid she¡¯d launch something at my head again. Either way, I kept quiet.


    Myrrh stayed glued to her phone, her finger flicking over the screen. Her brows furrowed, then suddenly shot up, her face brightening like someone had just handed her a free milkshake. ¡°Oh! The Xyraxis New Year is tonight! They¡¯re holding a fireworks display near the Metropolis Edge.¡±


    I blinked. ¡°Wait, what? It¡¯s still early January.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, but remember? Even though Xyraxis adopted Earth¡¯s yearly calendar, this planet orbits the sun in 525 days.¡± I could almost hear the ¡®duh¡¯ in her tone as she gestured vaguely at the window. ¡°That¡¯s why the months and seasons feel all messed up here.¡±


    ¡°Right¡­¡± I scratched the back of my head. ¡°So, what do people here do for New Year¡¯s?¡±


    ¡°The same as Earth, pretty much. Fireworks, concerts, midnight markets¡­¡± Myrrh¡¯s eyes glimmered with excitement. ¡°Oh! And Sammelplatz pizza parties!¡± She giggled, her lime-blonde ponytail bouncing slightly with her laughter.


    I raised a brow. ¡°You just made up the last one, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Maybe.¡± She smirked. ¡°Oh, there¡¯s one more thing ¡ª just like some countries on Earth, there¡¯s a tradition of kissing at Xyraxis New Year¡¯s Eve.¡±


    I let out a dry laugh. ¡°Well, I knew this event wasn¡¯t for me.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha¡­¡± Myrrh laughed too, but it trailed off awkwardly. ¡°Not for me either¡­¡±


    Silence settled over us. The kind that stretched too long, making the air feel heavier with each passing second. Usually, I¡¯d sip my coffee or nibble on my food to break the tension, but our plates were scraped clean, and our cups were empty. I sighed, leaning back in my chair.


    Then Myrrh shifted, her fingers curling around the edge of the table. Her gaze flicked to the side, a soft pink dusting her cheeks. ¡°Hey¡­¡± She hesitated, biting her lip. ¡°How about I repay my debt fully today?¡± She puffed out her cheeks in a playful pout. ¡°Let¡¯s have our third and final date.¡±

 Chapter 88 - The Last Date

    Chapter 88 - The Last Date


    Since this was my last date with Myrrh, I wanted to make sure I looked my best¡ªlike someone straight out of a boy band poster. I chose a crisp white long-sleeve collared shirt, patterned with subtle triangular designs that caught the light just right. My fitted brown pants hugged my legs just enough to look stylish without being too formal, and my polished topsider shoes added a touch of effortless charm. For once, I even bothered to comb my hair properly, ensuring I looked clean and put together.


    As someone who had never been on a "real" date with a woman before, this was the best I could manage.


    I stood in front of the campus gate, shifting my weight from one foot to the other, waiting. This time, loitering around the girls¡¯ dormitory felt a little too creepy¡ªeven for me. The dorms were eerily quiet, with only a handful of students staying behind for the vacation. If security caught sight of me lingering near the entrance on the cameras, I¡¯d probably look like some kind of suspicious prowler.


    ¡°Zaft.¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s voice rang out behind me, smooth yet unmistakably firm.


    I turned, and whatever thoughts I had instantly scattered like dandelion fluff in the wind.


    She stood there, bathed in the soft glow of the evening lights, dressed in something both peculiar and breathtaking. A short, frilly dress split into stark halves¡ªone black, one white¡ªhugged her form, adorned with glinting silver ornaments that shimmered like tiny stars. A sleek black band wrapped snugly around her right thigh, and knee-high gothic boots gave her an almost regal air. She wore elegant black gloves, the fabric smooth and pristine against her skin.


    For a brief, unguarded moment, I was completely stunned. My breath hitched, and warmth crept up my neck as I felt my face grow hot.


    But I caught myself.


    This was Myrrh Alicent¡ªmy enemy-turned-friend. Of course, she was always this beautiful. Always striking. Always perfect. A flawless ten out of ten.


    But something about today felt different ¡ª like she¡¯d transcended perfection. Tonight, Myrrh wasn¡¯t just a ten out of ten. She was an eleven.


    ¡°Oh, nice shirt you have there. I like it.¡± Myrrh smiled, her voice light and teasing.


    I blinked. I never expected her to start this date with a compliment. ¡°R-really?¡± I stammered, caught off guard.


    ¡°Now you look like an actual person and not some hobo.¡± She scoffed, crossing her arms with a playful smirk.


    I forced a smile. Yep, this was Myrrh, alright. A compliment wrapped in sarcasm ¡ª classic. I knew I had to fire back.


    ¡°You look pretty as well. Eleven out of ten.¡± I smirked, watching her brow quirk slightly. ¡°But your personality? That¡¯s plummeted into the negatives. -1 out of 10.¡±


    Myrrh scoffed again, but this time it had a refined air to it, like a spoiled princess dismissing a lowly peasant. It was¡­ surprisingly cute. I chuckled, scratching the back of my head. Our banter had become second nature ¡ª a rhythm we¡¯d fallen into over time. The insults we threw at each other barely had any sting anymore. They were more like inside jokes, playful jabs that only brought us closer.


    ¡°Anyway,¡± Myrrh said, her tone shifting slightly as she reached into her cute black bag, ¡°I¡¯ve got a surprise for you.¡±


    She pulled out two tickets, each one glimmering with a starry night sky design. With a little flourish, she held them out to me. ¡°Here!¡±


    ¡°Midnight Space Cruise Ship?¡± I tilted my head, eyebrows knitting together.


    Myrrh beamed, her eyes practically sparkling. ¡°The Midnight Space Cruise Ship is the most luxurious and grand tourist attraction in the entire Xyraxis Metropolis. And tonight, it¡¯s the best place to watch the Xyraxis New Year¡¯s fireworks.¡± Her voice carried a rare enthusiasm, almost childlike in its excitement.


    ¡°Oh.¡± I rubbed my neck, trying to process the sudden upgrade in our evening plans. ¡°Are we heading into another deep-sea voyage like during our internship?¡±


    She laughed, shaking her head. ¡°Nope. This cruise ship isn¡¯t bound for the ocean. It¡¯s going to orbit around Xyraxis, giving us the best view of the city lights and fireworks from space.¡± She leaned in slightly, eyes narrowing mischievously. ¡°And that¡¯s not all. The ship is packed with activities ¡ª there¡¯s a gym, go-kart racing, a massage parlor, Broadway shows, ice skating, a skyride¡­¡± She paused dramatically, leaning closer. ¡°And¡­ wait for it¡­ a casino.¡±


    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    That got my attention. ¡°Now I¡¯m excited.¡± A grin spread across my face.


    ¡°Right, right?¡± Myrrh giggled, a sound so light and genuine that it tugged at something deep inside me. Then, with a playful flourish, she extended her hand toward me ¡ª delicate, gloved fingers outstretched ¡ª like a princess waiting for her gentleman. Her expression softened, eyes glimmering beneath the soft evening lights.


    ¡°So¡­ shall we?¡± she asked, voice low and inviting.


    I swallowed, feeling my heart skip a beat. Without hesitation, I reached out and took her hand. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    <><><>


    We hopped into a sleek cyber taxi, its engine humming softly as it weaved through the glimmering nightscape of Xyraxis Metropolis. Soon, we arrived at a private spaceport nestled on the northern edge of the city. As we stepped out onto the polished landing pad, my eyes were immediately drawn to the massive queue snaking its way toward the docks.


    And wow ¡ª talk about fancy.


    The crowd looked like they¡¯d walked straight out of a high-end fashion magazine. Men and women glided past in luxurious dresses and tailored suits, every inch of them adorned with glittering jewelry and expensive accessories. The sheer amount of bling was enough to make my eyes hurt. I tugged at my collar, suddenly feeling very underdressed.


    But what really caught my attention was the age gap. Almost everyone in line looked middle-aged or older ¡ª retirement home beneficiaries, for sure. The whole atmosphere screamed exclusive. This cruise ship was clearly reserved for the elite.


    Then my gaze shifted to the ship itself, and my jaw nearly dropped.


    The Midnight Space Cruise Ship stood proud at the dock, bathed in soft golden lights. It resembled a traditional ocean liner, but with a few key differences. Sleek, aerodynamic wings jutted from its sides like those of a futuristic aircraft, while its tail flared upward like a rocket, engines resting dormant beneath the hull. The ship''s body gleamed white with elegant gold trimmings, making it look like a vessel fit for royalty. Speaking of royalty ¡ª royal guards stood at attention along the dock, decked out in uniforms that reminded me of Buckingham Palace¡¯s finest.


    We took our place at the very end of the admission queue, inching forward at a slow pace. As the line crawled ahead, I glanced at Myrrh. She stood beside me, humming softly to herself, swaying slightly to a tune only she could hear. The corners of her lips curled into a faint smile, content and carefree.


    ¡°Uh¡­ Myrrh?¡± I asked, breaking the silence.


    She turned to me, eyebrows raised. ¡°Yes?¡±


    I hesitated, rubbing the back of my neck. ¡°Are you sure you can afford this?¡± I gestured vaguely at the glittering crowd and the massive ship. ¡°This doesn¡¯t exactly look¡­ cheap.¡±


    Myrrh rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. ¡°Of course I can. I bought two tickets, didn¡¯t I?¡±


    ¡°I-I mean¡­¡± I stammered, lowering my voice. ¡°It must¡¯ve cost a fortune. How much was it?¡±


    She flashed a smug smile and pulled out her phone. A few quick swipes later, she turned the screen toward me, showing an ad for the tickets. My eyes nearly popped out of my skull. My jaw? On the floor.


    ¡°T-that much?!¡± I gawked, voice cracking. ¡°W-what the hell were you thinking?!¡±


    ¡°Geez, relax.¡± Myrrh waved me off nonchalantly. ¡°It¡¯s no big deal. I just dipped into my extra savings from the internship.¡± She shrugged, as if casually dropping a small fortune on a luxury space cruise was something she did every weekend.


    I stared at her, utterly dumbfounded. Was she serious?


    Myrrh just smiled, humming her little tune again as the line slowly crept forward.


    ¡°I-I¡¯ll pay for my share.¡± I blurted out, shifting uncomfortably. ¡°I mean¡­ that¡¯s at least five times what I spent back on karaoke night.¡±


    Myrrh shook her head, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. ¡°No, this one¡¯s all mine.¡± She folded her arms and looked up at the night sky, her voice growing distant. ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted to try this space cruise. Every Xyraxis New Year, when I was a kid, I¡¯d see this ship hovering above the city, right at the heart of the fireworks display. I used to stare at it, wondering what it must feel like to be inside, watching the fireworks from space.¡± Her eyes softened, reflecting the lights from the port. ¡°Now that I¡¯ve saved enough to finally make it happen¡­ this is like a dream come true.¡±


    I blinked. ¡°Just let me cover my half. I mean¡­ this date is for me too.¡±


    She scoffed, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. ¡°Date, huh?¡± Myrrh¡¯s gaze flicked toward the cruise ship, her expression dimming slightly. ¡°Honestly, back in high school, I was going to invite Ephraim¡­ but that shithead is out of the question.¡± She sighed, then offered a small smile. ¡°I thought about asking my mom, but¡­ she¡¯s still in therapy.¡± Myrrh turned back to me, her bright blue eyes glimmering with something I couldn¡¯t quite place. ¡°So¡­ I chose you. Consider it my thanks.¡±


    I swallowed hard. ¡°I didn¡¯t ask for a telenovela, Myrrh. But fine. Whatever floats your boat. Just don''t go around begging for money after this.¡± I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck.


    It didn¡¯t feel like this cruise was meant for me ¡ª not really. It was Myrrh¡¯s dream, and I was just tagging along. Still¡­ it was free, so I wasn¡¯t about to refuse. That didn¡¯t stop the guilt from settling in, though. She spent a fortune on these tickets, and here I was, barely able to scrape together enough for karaoke night.


    As if reading my thoughts, Myrrh poked me in the arm and raised a finger. ¡°If you really want to pay me back, then there¡¯s one thing you can do.¡± She paused dramatically. ¡°Treat me like a queen for the entire cruise.¡±


    I arched a brow. ¡°Treat you like a queen? What kind of queen? French royalty?¡±


    She grinned proudly. ¡°Exactly.¡±


    I smirked. ¡°You want me to chop your head off with a guillotine?¡±

 Chapter 89 - The Swimsuit Bra

    Chapter 89 - The Swimsuit Bra


    The Space Cruise Ship had finally departed from the docks, its engines humming softly beneath the polished floors. A subtle weightlessness tugged at my stomach as we drifted into the starry expanse. Now, we were free to do whatever we wanted.


    Myrrh and I stood by the balcony, the cool glass railing pressing against our palms as we gazed out over the sprawling metropolis of Xyraxis. The city shimmered like a sea of jewels beneath us ¡ª skyscrapers spearing the sky, their glass facades catching the ambient glow of neon signs and traffic streams.


    After soaking in the view, we made our way to the upper deck. The outdoor pool sprawled before us, its surface shimmering under artificial sunlight that bathed the area in warmth. People lounged on deck chairs, their swimsuits catching the light as they basked in the rays, while others splashed about in the clear blue water. Despite the growing crowd, the pool still looked inviting, the water rippling softly as if beckoning us in.


    ¡°Hey, want to play in the pool first?¡± Myrrh asked, a playful glint in her eyes and a smile tugging at her lips.


    ¡°But I didn¡¯t bring a swimsuit.¡± I scratched the back of my neck awkwardly. ¡°You never told me we were going to get wet.¡±


    ¡°We can rent some from the counter,¡± Myrrh giggled, her fingers slipping around my wrist. ¡°Come on!¡±


    The rental counter was tucked near the poolside, its sleek metallic surface reflecting the soft light. The swimsuits on offer were¡­ uninspired ¡ª rows of identical designs neatly folded in compartments. At least they were free.


    I grabbed a plain pair of white swim shorts. Slipping into them felt a little awkward; standing there shirtless made me suddenly self-conscious. My body wasn¡¯t exactly remarkable ¡ª no chiseled abs, no bulging muscles ¡ª just flat. Not skinny, not hefty¡­ just me.


    Then Myrrh stepped out of the changing booth.


    My breath caught. She had chosen a pure white bikini, the color stark against her smooth, sun-kissed skin. The top struggled to contain her ample curves, and the delicate straps hugged her shoulders, barely holding on. Her hips swayed slightly with each step, the fabric of her bikini bottoms hugging her frame in a way that made my heart skip.


    Her long lime-blonde hair, usually tied back, tumbled down her back in gentle waves, catching the light like strands of silk. The artificial sunlight kissed her bare skin, making her glow almost ethereally, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe.


    I couldn¡¯t help but drool inside my mind. My face burned, and I knew I was blushing hard just looking at Myrrh, but at this point, there was no hiding it.


    ¡°Hey.¡± Myrrh placed a hand on her hip, her brow arched and a teasing smirk on her lips. ¡°Are you just going to stand there fantasizing about me, or are we actually going to play in the pool?¡±


    ¡°L-Let¡¯s go!¡± I stammered, desperate to escape the moment. Without thinking, I sprinted towards the pool and leaped in, tucking my knees into my chest for a cannonball.


    ¡°Hey!¡± Myrrh¡¯s voice rang out behind me, but it was too late.


    I crashed into the water with a loud splash, sending ripples and droplets flying in all directions. As I surfaced, slicking my hair back, I saw Myrrh standing at the edge of the pool, hands on her hips and an exasperated pout on her lips.


    ¡°Geez! You¡¯re supposed to stretch first!¡± she scolded.


    ¡°I know how to swim, thank you!¡± I called back, playfully waving my hand.


    Myrrh sighed, rolling her eyes before stepping back to limber up. What happened next felt like a cruel joke on my already flustered self. She started stretching, arching her back and raising her arms above her head, her body moving with a slow, almost hypnotic grace. Each pose seemed designed to make my heart pound faster ¡ª the way her hips swayed, the curve of her back, the gentle bounce when she shifted her weight from one leg to the other.


    Thank every star in the galaxy that half my body was submerged in the cool water because "Johnny" was definitely threatening to arise like an undead soldier. At least this way, she wouldn¡¯t notice just how much she was affecting me.


    Finally, Myrrh stepped to the pool¡¯s edge and crouched down like a pro. With a graceful push, she dove into the water, slicing through the surface like an Olympic swimmer. The sunlight shimmered off her skin as she glided forward, her body moving effortlessly beneath the surface. In a matter of seconds, she reached the other end of the pool, her lime-blonde long hair trailing behind her like a streak of light.


    ¡°Wha¡­?¡± I blinked, barely processing what I¡¯d just witnessed. Shaking off my surprise, I kicked off the wall and swam after her, but it quickly became clear that she was on another level. My strokes felt clumsy in comparison ¡ª each one a desperate attempt to catch up while she glided ahead, sleek and swift like a mermaid.


    No fair. How was she this good at swimming too?


    ¡°I thought you were a good swimmer, but it seems I¡¯m better. This is just a basic skill,¡± Myrrh teased, flicking her wet hair over her shoulder with a smug grin.


    ¡°Nobody asked you to brag, and this isn¡¯t a competition!¡± I shot back. Without warning, I scooped up a handful of water and splashed it right at her face. ¡°Hiya!¡±


    ¡°Eeek!¡± Myrrh squealed, flinching as the water hit her. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re so gonna get it!¡± She retaliated with a wave of water, sending droplets flying at me.


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    Laughter filled the air as we went back and forth, playing like kids in the pool, each splash earning a shriek or a playful taunt. The sun glimmered off the rippling water, and for a moment, it felt like we were the only two people in the universe.


    After a few rounds of our impromptu water fight, I decided to switch tactics. Leaning closer with a mischievous smirk, I lowered my voice like I was about to share a dark secret.


    ¡°Hey, hey, Myrrh¡­¡± I whispered. ¡°Did you know? According to statistics, one out of five people pee in the pool. Who knows¡­ maybe I just peed in the water I splashed on your face.¡± I wiggled my eyebrows dramatically.


    Myrrh¡¯s face twisted in horror. Her cheeks flushed a deep pink as she recoiled, spluttering. ¡°W-What?! Ewww!¡± She quickly dipped herself lower into the pool until the water reached her collarbones, hugging her arms around herself as if trying to shield her body from contamination.


    I couldn¡¯t help but laugh at her reaction. She looked so defenseless, like a cornered kitten. Seeing my chance, I struck again.


    ¡°Hiyah!¡± I splashed another wave of water at her, aiming right for her face.


    ¡°W-Wait, Zaft¡­¡± Myrrh whimpered, her blue eyes locking onto mine. They shimmered beneath the artificial sunlight, wide and vulnerable, like a lost puppy abandoned in the rain.


    My heart skipped a beat. I hadn''t expected that look. Suddenly, the teasing didn¡¯t feel so fun anymore.


    I immediately sensed something was wrong. The playful atmosphere shifted, and I stopped splashing, wading closer to Myrrh. ¡°What is it?¡± I asked, my voice softer now.


    ¡°I-It got lost,¡± Myrrh mumbled, glancing around nervously.


    ¡°What got lost? Your dignity?¡± I teased, trying to lighten the mood. "I thought you did not bring any."


    ¡°Stop joking around!¡± she snapped, her face burning red. She waved me closer, leaning in until her breath tickled my ear. ¡°I lost my bra.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I whipped my head toward her, eyes wide. That¡¯s when I noticed her arms crossed tightly over her chest, her hands pressing down underwater to cover herself. Before I could even process what I¡¯d heard, a splash of water hit me square in the face.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look!¡± Myrrh cried, her face a mixture of embarrassment and frustration. ¡°Go help me find it instead!¡±


    ¡°Fine, fine!¡± I sputtered, turning away and rubbing the water from my eyes. I scratched the back of my head, scanning the pool for any sign of the missing bikini top.


    The pool had gotten more crowded while we played. Kids splashed around in the shallows, couples lounged by the edges, and a few adults floated lazily in inflatable tubes. As I searched, a middle-aged man drifted past on a bright pink pool float, humming to himself. In an unfortunate twist of fate, the float bumped right into Myrrh, pushing her forward ¡ª straight into me.


    "Oh! Sorry!"


    ¡°Kyah!¡± Myrrh yelped, flailing before latching onto my back like her life depended on it.


    That¡¯s when I felt it. A soft, warm sensation pressed against my spine. My heart practically stopped. Time slowed down. Myrrh¡¯s bare breasts squished against my back, her skin slick with pool water, and ¡ª oh, god ¡ª I could even feel the soft brush of her nipples. She clung to me like a koala, arms wrapped tightly around my neck, her breath hot against my ear.


    Angel choirs may as well have been singing. This had to be the most divine sensation a mortal could experience. My brain short-circuited. Every nerve in my body went haywire, caught between panic and¡­ other feelings I really shouldn¡¯t be having right now.


    ¡°Myrrh,¡± I croaked, barely able to form words. ¡°Y-You¡¯re¡­ kinda¡­ um¡­¡±


    ¡°S-Shut up!¡± she hissed, burying her face in the crook of my neck, her whole body trembling against mine. ¡°Just find my bra already!¡±


    While basking in the heavenly sensation of Myrrh clinging to me, I finally spotted something white floating about ten meters away. Squinting against the sunlight reflecting off the water, I realized what it was ¡ª her bra, drifting aimlessly across the pool.


    ¡°M-Myrrh¡­¡± I muttered, trying to keep my voice steady. ¡°If you don¡¯t let go of me, I won¡¯t be able to get your bra.¡±


    ¡°D-Don¡¯t leave me!¡± she whimpered, clutching me even tighter. Her body pressed closer, and I nearly choked on my own breath. ¡°There¡¯s a lot of people around¡­ and they¡¯ll see!¡± Her voice cracked, trembling with embarrassment. ¡°C-Call someone! Call the lifeguard, or Batman, or the Avengers or something! Anyone!¡±


    Hearing Myrrh on the verge of tears tugged at my heart, even if part of me found her reaction absolutely priceless. Still, she had treated me to this luxurious cruise ¡ª maybe it was time I acted like a proper gentleman. Just for today.


    Sighing, I raised my hand and called out to the nearest lifeguard. ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    The female lifeguard, who had been casually observing the pool, turned her head. ¡°What is it?¡± she asked, her tone relaxed.


    I swallowed my pride and pointed toward the drifting garment. ¡°C-Can you please grab that swimsuit over there?¡± My face burned with embarrassment. ¡°My girlfriend lost it while we were fooling around.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not your girlfriend!¡± Myrrh squealed into my ear, but her grip on me only tightened. If she was trying to strangle me, it wasn¡¯t working ¡ª all she managed to do was press her soft curves even harder against my back, which really wasn¡¯t helping me think straight.


    The lifeguard raised an eyebrow but remained unfazed. ¡°Oh, okay.¡± She casually swam off toward the floating bra, leaving me to deal with the clinging, blushing mess of a girl behind me.


    I let out a shaky breath. This was going to be a long day.


    The lifeguard skillfully fetched the floating bra with a long retrieval pole, guiding it back toward us. Myrrh, still clinging to my back like a limpet, reached out and snatched it with a relieved sigh. We made our way to the pool¡¯s edge, where she could dive underwater to fix the troublesome clasp in private.


    When Myrrh resurfaced, her long greenish-blonde hair glistened in the sunlight, droplets cascading down her flushed face. She pressed a hand to her chest, ensuring the bra was securely in place, and let out a long breath.


    ¡°Haaaa¡­ I knew this swimsuit¡¯s lock would come off,¡± she muttered, adjusting the straps with a slight pout. ¡°It¡¯s not big enough to contain my breasts.¡±


    ¡°Haha.¡± I forced out a laugh, trying my best to look anywhere but at her.


    That¡¯s when Myrrh leaned in, her face inches from mine, eyes glimmering with mischief. ¡°Zaft? Are you okay?¡± she asked, tilting her head. ¡°Your nose is bleeding.¡±


    ¡°H-Huh?¡± My eyes widened, and I instinctively wiped at my nose, only to find nothing there. ¡°What are you talking about? There¡¯s no¡ª¡±


    I froze mid-sentence when I caught the playful smirk curling at her lips.


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure you¡¯re having a nosebleed on the inside,¡± she teased, crossing her arms under her chest, which only served to push her "assets" up further. ¡°After all, you did just get a nice, long hug from my well-rounded, soft bosoms. It¡¯s understandable. No need to hide the fact that you¡¯re simping for me and my sexy body.¡± She batted her eyelashes dramatically.


    I felt my face burn hotter than the sun. ¡°I never should¡¯ve helped you get that bra back.¡± I shot her a glare, puffing out my chest mockingly. ¡°¡®Oh, Zaft! Don¡¯t lEaVe mE! ThEy miGhT sEe mY hUgE tITs!¡¯¡± I mimicked in a high-pitched voice, wiggling my arms around like a distressed maiden.


    Instead of getting flustered, Myrrh just laughed ¡ª a soft, melodic sound that somehow made my heart race. She flicked a few drops of pool water at my face, her expression softening.


    ¡°Anyway,¡± she said, stretching her arms above her head, ¡°I¡¯m famished. Let¡¯s go eat! My treat!¡±


    She grabbed my wrist, tugging me along like an excited child, and I followed, wondering if my heart would survive the rest of this cruise.

 Chapter 90 - Cruise Restaurant Flirting

    Chapter 90 - Cruise Restaurant Flirting


    We found ourselves in a lavish restaurant aboard the grand space cruise ship, where soft ambient lighting and the gentle hum of classical music set an elegant mood. Our table for two was situated at the edge of the ship¡¯s dining deck, offering a breathtaking view of the sunset spilling across the endless sky.


    The horizon burned with hues of gold and crimson, blending seamlessly into the deepening shades of twilight. Below, the curve of the planet shimmered faintly, its atmosphere glowing as it met the black void of space.


    Unfortunately, the meals weren¡¯t covered by the ticket, and for a brief moment, we both exchanged glances, relieved that we had brought some money with us. But before I could reach for my wallet, Myrrh flashed a confident smile and set her hands on the table.


    "Feel free to order whatever you like. It¡¯s my treat," she said warmly.


    I hesitated, my fingers brushing against the menu pages. ¡°O-okay¡­ I¡¯ll just have some beef curry and fresh sashimi, please. And one cup of rice,¡± I murmured, deliberately choosing the most affordable option. It wasn¡¯t much, but it would be enough to keep me full.


    "I¡¯ll have a loco moco with karaage," Myrrh added cheerfully, then, as if on a whim, her eyes gleamed. ¡°Oh, and please add a mixed berries parfait.¡±


    As the waitress nodded and disappeared with our orders, I turned back to the view beyond the glass. The sunset stretched across half the sky in a fiery embrace, while above it, the darkness of space had begun its quiet reign.


    The first stars twinkled in the void, a mesmerizing contrast of light and shadow. From this height, we were already breaching the edge of the atmosphere, caught between the world below and the vast unknown above.


    ¡°The view here is good, right?¡± Myrrh¡¯s voice was softer now. She rested her chin on her hand, her gaze reflecting the celestial canvas outside. ¡°It¡¯s even more beautiful than our secret place on the hospital rooftop.¡±


    "I don¡¯t know," I murmured, my gaze lingering on the vast expanse beyond the window. "This is definitely more beautiful, but¡­ I think I preferred the view back then. That rooftop had a different atmosphere¡ªlike time had stopped just for the two of us."


    I hadn¡¯t realized I was speaking my thoughts aloud until I heard Myrrh gasp. A faint pink bloomed across her cheeks before she shot me a narrow glare, her lips curving into a mischievous smirk.


    "Eh? You¡¯re throwing out pick-up lines now, huh?" she teased, tilting her head playfully. "Way to go! You have grown, just a little bit!"


    "Wha¡ª?" My face burned. "I-I¡¯m not giving a pick-up line! I was just saying what I really felt at the time!" I stammered, waving my hands defensively.


    "Heh?" Myrrh leaned forward, her smirk deepening. "So that¡¯s how you feel about me?"


    "Shut up!" I cried, flustered. "I take it all back! The view here is far superior to your so-called secret place!"


    Before she could fire back another tease, our food arrived, granting me a much-needed escape. My plate of sashimi and beef curry looked mouthwatering, but as Myrrh¡¯s loco moco and crispy karaage were set in front of her, I couldn¡¯t help but glance at her dish with mild envy. Still, I stuck with my choices and took my first bite.


    The beef curry was a comforting blend of savory and mildly sweet flavors, the spice adding just the right amount of heat to warm my senses. Meanwhile, the fresh tuna sashimi melted on my tongue, its delicate texture enhanced by the sharp kick of wasabi.


    "Zaft," Myrrh suddenly muttered, twirling her spoon between her fingers. "I wanna try some."


    "Sure," I said, offering her a piece on my spoon. "But only if you trade me a slice of your loco moco and a piece of karaage."


    "Fine, just take as much as you want," Myrrh said, offering her plate as well. We exchanged portions of our meals, each getting a taste of the other¡¯s dish.


    "Wow, this is amazing!" I said, savoring the hearty bite of her loco moco. The rich, savory gravy blended perfectly with the tender beef patty, while the runny egg yolk added a smooth, creamy texture. I took a bite of the karaage next¡ªits crispy, golden-brown coating gave way to juicy, well-seasoned meat. "And this karaage? Super crispy!"


    "Phew! That wasabi was intense!" Myrrh cried, dramatically exhaling as if trying to cool the fire in her mouth. The sight of her fanning herself in distress made me chuckle.


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    "I''m honestly surprised you''re willing to eat something from my plate," I said with a smirk. "I was sure you¡¯d be disgusted by me."


    Myrrh shot me an indignant glare, her cheeks puffing slightly. "FYI, I don''t really think you''re disgusting! I know you¡¯re actually pretty clean¡­ even though you always look like a homeless thug."


    "Wow. That¡¯s a next-level insult. I don¡¯t even know how to take that," I grumbled.


    Before she could tease me further, the waitress arrived with Myrrh¡¯s mixed berries parfait. It was an explosion of colors¡ªred, blue, violet, orange, and yellow ice cream scoops layered atop a swirl of whipped cream and a medley of fresh berries. Myrrh wasted no time digging in, spooning one scoop after another with visible delight.


    Since I hadn¡¯t ordered dessert, I just sipped on my soda, watching her enjoy her parfait. But the more she ate, the more my curiosity grew. Everything we¡¯d eaten on this cruise had been delicious so far, and now I couldn¡¯t help but wonder¡ªwhat did that parfait taste like?


    "That looks delicious," I muttered under my breath, not really thinking.


    Myrrh paused mid-bite, her spoon hovering in the air. A slow smirk spread across her face, but her eyes held a dangerous glint¡ªlike she was plotting something. If I didn¡¯t know any better, I¡¯d say she was about to assassinate me¡­ in the most ridiculous way possible.


    "Hey, do you want a bite?" she asked, her voice carrying that unmistakable teasing lilt.


    "N-no, I¡¯m fine," I said quickly, waving my hand in refusal.


    Her smirk only deepened. "You just said it looked delicious. No need to be shy, Zaft." Without waiting for my response, she scooped up a spoonful of the blue ice cream and held it out toward me. "Here, taste this. It¡¯s blueberry."


    I swallowed hard. "F-fine. I¡¯ll have a taste," I muttered, feeling my face heat up. "But let me get an extra spoon¡ª"


    "You idiot," Myrrh scoffed, rolling her eyes. "They won¡¯t give you a spoon unless you order again. It¡¯s the protocol in this cruise restaurant."


    "R-really?" I asked, hesitant.


    "No." Myrrh outright denied her own lie, her face turning a shade redder. "Anyway, this will melt if you don¡¯t eat it soon. Say aaaaah!"


    She pushed the spoon closer and closer until I had no choice but to comply. Hesitantly, I parted my lips and took the bite. The ice cream was rich and creamy, the blueberry flavor bursting on my tongue with a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. But honestly? That wasn¡¯t the most memorable part.


    The thought hit me like a brick. That was her spoon. Her spoon.


    An indirect kiss.


    Somehow, the taste of that felt even sweeter.


    "See? It¡¯s good, right?" Myrrh said, her voice laced with amusement.


    "Y-yeah. It¡¯s¡­ really sweet," I muttered, my face still burning. I couldn¡¯t stop staring at her spoon, watching as she casually dipped it back into her parfait, scooped another bite of ice cream, and took it into her mouth¡ªcompletely unfazed.


    Meanwhile, my heart was still racing. I couldn¡¯t believe we¡¯d just done that. And what was more shocking¡ªMyrrh didn¡¯t seem bothered at all.


    "I-isn¡¯t that an indirect kiss just now?" I finally asked, my voice shaking slightly.


    Myrrh paused, then glanced at me with an exaggerated smirk. "You¡¯re getting embarrassed over that?" She let out a short laugh. "Wow, Zaft. You really are pure and innocent¡­ like the incel you are."


    I clamped my mouth shut. Myrrh was ridiculously passive-aggressive today. One moment, she was flirting, and the next, she was throwing insults like darts at a board. Was she teasing me? Mocking me? Both? I couldn¡¯t tell. Frustrated, I simply pouted and turned away, letting my gaze wander across the restaurant to avoid her piercing, judgmental stare.


    That was when I realized something unsettling.


    People were watching us.


    Couples at nearby tables, waitresses passing by, even a few chefs peeking from the kitchen window¡ªall of them were stealing glances at us, their eyes filled with amusement, admiration, or outright nosiness. The moment they noticed me glaring back, the waitresses quickly averted their gazes and pretended to return to work, bowing slightly as if they hadn¡¯t just been caught.


    Before I could process the situation, a waitress suddenly placed a fancy, sparkling drink on our table¡ªa tall glass filled with a fizzy pink concoction, topped with a delicate layer of whipped cream. But the real kicker? A pair of heart-shaped twin straws sticking out from the rim.


    "Here¡¯s the complimentary couple¡¯s drink for this cruise," the waitress said sweetly. "Belated Merry X-mas to you both. And Happy Xyraxis New Year!"


    "R-right. Thank you," I mumbled weakly.


    "Wow!" Myrrh clapped her hands together, eyes gleaming with excitement. Without hesitation, she grabbed one of the straws and took a sip. "Mmm! This is actually pretty good!"


    "Really?" I asked, leaning forward slightly. "Let me have a taste too."


    "Sure. Let¡¯s drink together," she said nonchalantly, continuing to sip from her straw as if this was the most natural thing in the world.


    I stiffened. Myrrh was going all out today¡ªaggressive, relentless, and clearly enjoying every moment of my embarrassment. And like an absolute fool, I kept taking the bait. But¡­ it wasn¡¯t like I hated it. If anything, it must have been obvious¡ªto her and everyone else in this restaurant¡ªthat I was enjoying this ridiculous situation more than I cared to admit.


    Sighing, I gave in. If this was how things were going to be, then fine. I leaned in and wrapped my lips around the other straw, preparing to take a sip.


    But the moment I tried to drink, something felt¡­ wrong.


    There was no liquid. No sweetness. Nothing.


    Instead, I felt an odd sensation, like the straw was pulling air from my mouth. Confused, I sucked harder¡ªonly for my tongue to get vacuumed into the straw, a weird suction force yanking at it like some kind of absurd prank device.


    "Uuuuuk!" I cried, jerking back and pulling the straw out of my mouth.


    And then it hit me.


    The twin heart-shaped straws didn¡¯t connect to the drink at all.


    They connected to each other.


    Which meant¡­


    I snapped my head up, eyes wide with horror, just in time to see Myrrh on the other end, her own lips sealed around the straw, smug as ever.


    "Stop messing with me!" I roared, my face burning.


    "Hahahaha!" Myrrh burst into laughter, clutching her stomach as if this was the funniest thing in the universe. Her giggles rang through the air, bright and unapologetic.


    Meanwhile, I could feel the stares of every single person in the restaurant.


    I was never going to live this down.

 Chapter 91 - Wish Kiss

    Chapter 91 - Wish Kiss


    After indulging in a luxurious meal, we made our way to the cruise ship¡¯s lavish casino, its golden chandeliers casting a warm glow over the sea of green-felt tables and the rhythmic clatter of roulette wheels. Just as I was about to slide into a seat at one of the poker tables alongside the seasoned gamblers, Myrrh stepped forward and casually claimed the player¡¯s chair.


    ¡°Hey, let me play this one. Just sit there and tutor me,¡± she said, tapping the seat beside her with an air of confidence.


    I blinked. ¡°A-Are you sure? Have you even played poker before?¡±


    Myrrh leaned back, crossing her arms, her lips curling into a smug smile. ¡°I¡¯ve watched some online. And don¡¯t you remember? I was your dealer against a certain cyber terrorist.¡±


    The memory hit me like a flickering reel of film¡ªour encounter with Ismail Arondight, the infamous hacker from the Neo Terrestrial Reich. Myrrh had been the one to deal the cards in that high-stakes game, her hands steady, her gaze unshaken. Maybe she didn¡¯t need tutoring after all.


    Before I could say anything, Myrrh nonchalantly pulled out her hard-case wallet. With a smooth flick of her fingers, she spread out a handful of crisp bills. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve been saving up for this.¡± Then, with an almost theatrical flair, she pressed a tightly wound roll of cash into my palm. ¡°Go exchange these for chips, will you?¡±


    I let out a dry chuckle, weighing the money in my hand. ¡°You really came prepared for this, huh?¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s smirk deepened, a playful glint in her eyes. ¡°Let¡¯s just say I wanted to feel the same thrill you always had back in high school.¡± She gave me a light nudge. ¡°Now go! Get me my chips!¡±


    I made my way to the casino counter, exchanging Myrrh¡¯s cash for a stack of polished poker chips that clinked softly in my hands. The weight of them felt significant, like the promise of fortune¡ªor disaster¡ªdepending on how this night played out. As I returned to the poker table, the air was thick with cigar smoke and the murmurs of seasoned gamblers placing their bets.


    As the dealer began shuffling and dealing the cards, I caught several older players sneering at Myrrh, their smirks laced with condescension. A young, fresh-faced girl sitting at their table? They clearly assumed she was an easy mark. And to be fair, Myrrh was new to this kind of gambling. I knew I had to guide her.


    Leaning in, I whispered, ¡°Always watch your opponents¡¯ faces, Myrrh. Pay attention to their mannerisms¡ªthe way their eyebrows twitch, the tension in their smiles. Every little movement could be a tell.¡±


    ¡°Oh, okay,¡± Myrrh murmured, nodding as she studied her cards. Without hesitation, she pushed a stack of chips forward, her eyes gleaming with determination. ¡°It¡¯s all or nothing!¡±


    At first, I thought she was just being reckless. But then, something incredible happened. Hand after hand, Myrrh started winning. She absorbed the nuances of the game at an alarming rate, identifying bluffs and spotting real threats with surgical precision. It wasn¡¯t just luck¡ªshe calculated probabilities, analyzed patterns, and adjusted her strategy on the fly.


    The more she won, the more the older players¡¯ confidence wavered. Their dismissive grins turned into frustrated scowls. Some folded early, wary of the yellow-green-haired girl who had suddenly become the biggest threat at the table.


    By the time the clock struck ten, a mountain of poker chips stood in front of Myrrh, a glittering testament to her newfound skill.


    I stared at the massive pile, rubbing the back of my neck. ¡°W-Whoa¡­ You really are a Mary Sue. You actually won all that on your first try?¡±


    Myrrh smirked, crossing her arms triumphantly. ¡°Hmph. This is just a basic skill. No wonder you always win.¡±


    ¡°Okay, okay, no need to brag,¡± I said with a sigh, then glanced longingly at her towering stack of winnings. ¡°Man¡­ I wish I had played, too. I¡¯m kinda jealous of how rich you are now.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll give you half of it,¡± Myrrh said with an angelic smile, her green eyes shimmering with mischief. ¡°Consider it payment for teaching me how to read faces and cards.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± I gasped, hardly believing my luck.


    Myrrh tapped her chin, reconsidering. ¡°On second thought¡­ maybe I¡¯ll just give you a quarter.¡± She flicked a chip between her fingers absentmindedly. ¡°This should be enough to cover my mom¡¯s medical expenses for the next two months.¡±


    Then, as if catching herself, she let out a small chuckle. ¡°But then again, this is technically dirty money, isn¡¯t it? Maybe I should just use it for my daily expenses instead. This might cover my Sammelplatz Pizza addiction until the end of the term.¡±


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    I raised an eyebrow. ¡°If it¡¯s dirty, why not spend some of it on entertainment while we¡¯re here? It¡¯s not like we¡¯ll get another chance to live it up on a cruise ship like this.¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s face lit up with realization, and she clapped her hands together. ¡°Oh! That¡¯s right! I just thought of something we have to buy to properly greet the Xyraxis New Year!¡±


    <><><>


    In the end, I only received a quarter of what Myrrh originally promised. She set aside another quarter as her hard-earned savings, while the rest went into something far more extravagant¡ªsparklers. Thousands of them. Myrrh, in her boundless enthusiasm, made sure that every single person aboard the cruise ship received at least one.


    What started as an impromptu idea quickly turned into a spectacle. The space cruise ship¡¯s itinerary never mentioned a grand sparkler display, yet no one seemed to mind. When word spread, the passengers embraced the plan wholeheartedly, agreeing to light them up the moment the clock struck midnight for the Xyraxis New Year. Laughter and excitement filled the air, and Myrrh became the unexpected star of the night, praised for her generosity.


    Now, at 11:55 PM¡ªjust five minutes before the turn of the year¡ªwe had finally finished distributing the last of the sparklers. Myrrh and I found ourselves at the very peak of the ship, sitting on the balcony of the topmost tower, the highest point where one could watch the celebrations unfold below. The view stretched endlessly, the vastness of space blending into the neon glow of Xyraxis¡¯s floating cities in the distance.


    Exhausted from all the running around, we leaned back against the cool metal railing, catching our breath. In our hands were glasses of lemonade, spiked with just enough liquor to make the moment feel warm and slow.


    ¡°Hey, hey, Zaft,¡± Myrrh nudged me gently with her elbow. Her voice carried the kind of excitement that made me brace myself for whatever she was about to say next. ¡°Did you know? They say that when midnight strikes, whatever you wish for will come true.¡±


    I let out a soft chuckle. ¡°For a futuristic cyberpunk planet like Xyraxis, that sounds pretty superstitious.¡±


    Myrrh smiled, her expression softer than usual. ¡°That¡¯s why it¡¯s special. It¡¯s a symbol of hope and love. That¡¯s why people kiss at midnight, you know.¡± Her voice was almost dreamy, laced with something I couldn¡¯t quite decipher.


    ¡°I see,¡± I muttered, suddenly aware of the space between us.


    A silence settled over us¡ªnot uncomfortable, but heavy in a way I hadn¡¯t expected. The only sounds were the distant echoes of celebration, the murmurs of passengers preparing for the countdown, and the faint crackling of early sparklers flickering to life across the ship.


    One. Two. Three. Four. Five.


    Five full seconds of silence stretched between us. I turned to glance at Myrrh and felt my breath hitch. Her blue eyes shimmered, reflecting the golden glow of the sparklers below and the endless stars above. The universe itself seemed to dance in her gaze.


    She must have noticed me staring because she turned her head, meeting my eyes.


    And for some reason¡ªsome inexplicable, overwhelming reason¡ªmy heart skipped a beat. A sharp, sudden jolt, like a spark from the countless ones flickering in the night. I had never felt my chest tighten like this before, never felt my pulse hammer against my ribs so violently. The sensation was foreign, yet strangely intoxicating.


    I knew if I stayed quiet, the moment would only grow more awkward. So, I let my thoughts spill out.


    ¡°¡­Thank you, Myrrh,¡± I muttered.


    She blinked, tilting her head. ¡°Hm? For what?¡±


    I exhaled, forcing out a small laugh. ¡°Well¡­ you¡¯ve been looking after me these past few days, haven¡¯t you? You probably got annoyed with me being such a burden, but you still stuck around.¡± I rubbed the back of my neck, suddenly self-conscious. ¡°Maybe you were right about me being so hopeless¡­ Haha.¡±


    Myrrh¡¯s eyes softened, the blue reflecting something deeper¡ªsomething tender. Then, just as suddenly, a faint pink dusted her cheeks.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it,¡± she murmured, her voice quiet but sincere. ¡°Besides¡­ I should be thanking you instead.¡±


    I blinked. ¡°R-really?¡±


    She nodded, glancing down at her hands for a moment before looking back at me. ¡°Yeah. If I¡¯m being honest¡­ I¡¯ve always been the one relying on you.¡± A wistful smile crossed her lips. ¡°There¡¯s so much I¡¯m grateful for that I don¡¯t even know where to begin. I mean¡­ I owe you my life¡ªyou literally brought me back from the dead.¡±


    Her words hung in the air, heavy with meaning.


    ¡°You pushed yourself to ace the Midterms,¡± she continued, ¡°and won the licensure tournament¡­ all for me and my mom¡¯s sake, just so we could afford the medical bills.¡±


    Her voice was steady, but I could feel the weight behind it. The quiet gratitude. The unspoken emotions slipping between the cracks of her usual confidence.


    And just like that, the world around us¡ªthe cheers, the sparklers, the countdown to midnight¡ªfaded into the background.


    Myrrh brushed a strand of her greenish-blonde hair over her shoulder, then leaned in¡ªcloser than before. The warmth of her presence melted into mine, and my breath caught in my throat as her fingertips, soft and cool, traced the burning heat of my left cheek.


    Her touch was light, almost hesitant, but her words carried the weight of something undeniable.


    ¡°And honestly¡­¡± she whispered, her voice barely louder than the distant hum of the city below, ¡°you filled the hole in my life. I was grateful when you were there¡ªwhen I needed you the most.¡±


    ¡°Myrrh¡­¡± I breathed, my pulse hammering in my ears. ¡°Do you mean¡­ that night? When you were left crying at prom?¡±


    She didn¡¯t answer¡ªnot with words. Instead, she took my hand and placed it against her chest, over the steady, rhythmic beating of her heart.


    And then she moved closer.


    Closer.


    Until I could feel the warmth of her breath mingling with mine, our lungs rising and falling in sync. Her face, framed by the soft glow of sparklers and the endless neon skyline of the cyberpunk city below, looked more breathtaking than ever. Under the vast expanse of stars, she was radiant¡ªa vision so stunning it made the entire universe seem dim in comparison.


    My gaze drifted to her lips. They were soft, slightly parted, flushed with a delicate pinkish-red hue that made my heartbeat pound wildly against my ribs.


    She was inches away.


    Centimeters.


    We both closed our eyes.


    And then¡ª


    A deafening crackle burst through the air, followed by an explosion of color that lit up the night sky. Fireworks bloomed like nebulae above us, painting the darkness with electric blues, burning golds, and vibrant reds.


    The world around us erupted in celebration.


    But all I could think about was her.

 Chapter 92 - Swimming with Fireworks

    Chapter 92 - Swimming with Fireworks


    I know what you¡¯ve all been waiting for.


    Believe me, I waited for it too. The moment felt inevitable, like gravity pulling us together. I even pushed my lips forward as soon as we both closed our eyes, anticipation tightening my chest. Myrrh¡¯s warm breath tickled my skin, soft and rhythmic¡ªso close that I could feel every subtle shift in the air between us.


    Then, the fireworks erupted. Midnight had arrived. The Xyraxis New Year. Behind my closed eyelids, brilliant flashes painted the darkness, bursts of gold and violet streaking the sky. The distant thunder of explosions rattled the atmosphere, as if the entire world was celebrating this moment with us.


    But the kiss never came.


    Instead, sharp pressure seized my nose, cutting off my breath. My lungs strained in sudden desperation, and I gasped, eyes flying open.


    Myrrh¡¯s face filled my vision¡ªher long yellow-green hair catching glimmers of firework light, her cheeks flushed with warmth, her lips curled into a teasing, impish smile. She had stopped just short of the kiss, hovering there, her fingers pinching my nose in a cruel but playful assault.


    ¡°Ack!¡± I choked out, flailing slightly.


    ¡°Stupid.¡± Myrrh giggled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. ¡°I¡¯m not wicked enough to steal your first kiss. That should be saved for someone you love.¡±


    She finally released my nose, letting me suck in a breath¡ªjust before she leaned in again. A quick, featherlight press against my left cheek. A smack, yet soft and damp, her lips lingering just enough to send heat rushing to my face. Instinctively, my fingers flew up, touching the spot as if I could trap the feeling there forever.


    I turned to her, pouting, my face undoubtedly red.


    ¡°Ha! Caught you off-guard, didn¡¯t I?¡± Myrrh snickered, stepping back triumphantly. ¡°Did you really think I¡¯d kiss a goon like you?¡±


    "You always find new ways to disappoint me." I grumbled, crossing my arms.


    Myrrh smirked, flicking her long lime-blonde hair with a dramatic flourish. "Well, unless I¡¯m your first love, you¡¯re not getting my kiss." Her navy blue eyes sparkled with challenge. "So go ahead¡ªconfess."


    "W-what!?" I sputtered, my heart lurching. "Why the hell would I confess to you? We¡¯re enemies, remember? There¡¯s no way¡ªno way¡ªI could ever fall in love with you!"


    The words tumbled out, sharp and unfiltered, fueled by sheer panic. Maybe it was the embarrassment. Maybe it was the lingering disappointment. Or maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªI was trying to convince myself more than her.


    Because the truth was, I had never been in love before. Not really. As an involuntary celibate, I was well acquainted with fleeting infatuations and shallow attractions. I knew what it was like to be captivated by a cute smile or an alluring figure, but love? That magical, all-consuming feeling? That was foreign territory.


    Sure, Myrrh and I had become friends. Sure, I sometimes felt an uncomfortable pang of jealousy when she was with her new support unit partner. But that didn¡¯t mean I was in love with her. Right? It was too soon. Too absurd.


    Yet, as my words settled in the space between us, Myrrh¡¯s expression twisted into a pout, her lips pursing ever so slightly.


    "Fine then," she huffed, turning her nose up. "Not like I¡¯d accept your love anyway! I¡¯d definitely reject you! I¡¯m way out of your league, you goon!"


    "As if I¡¯d ever confess to an all-boobs-but-gunpowder-brained hoe like you!" I shot back, my face burning, the heat creeping all the way to my ears.


    This back-and-forth squabble made us realize something¡ªwe were both ridiculously immature. A single glance at each other was all it took before laughter bubbled up, raw and unrestrained.


    "Hahaha!"


    "Hahaha!"


    I scratched my head, grinning sheepishly. The warmth in my chest was undeniable. "But still¡­ thanks for being here with me. I gotta admit, these past few days have been some of the best holiday memories I¡¯ve ever had. I don¡¯t think I would¡¯ve enjoyed my holidays back on Earth. So, in a weird way¡­ I¡¯m kinda grateful I got sick that day."


    Myrrh tilted her head slightly, her expression softening. "Well, I¡¯m grateful too. If you had left for Earth, I¡¯d be spending this Xyraxis New Year completely alone. My mother¡¯s not around, after all."


    She stood up, dusting off her skirt before walking over to fetch a small case. With a flick of her wrist, she popped it open, revealing the slender metallic sticks inside. "Let¡¯s light these up for our New Year."


    Stolen story; please report.


    I nodded with a smile, fishing out the souvenir lighter we¡¯d bought earlier. With a quick flick, the flame danced to life, small yet eager.


    As soon as Myrrh lit her sparklers, they erupted in mesmerizing brilliance. Unlike the ones back on Earth, these weren¡¯t just simple golden flickers. Each spark burst into shifting colors¡ªviolet, emerald, crimson, and cerulean¡ªfanning out like miniature fireworks. The way she waved them left shimmering trails in the air, as if painting light itself.


    "Look, Zaft! It¡¯s beautiful!" Myrrh twirled, giggling as she brandished the sparklers in both hands, their radiant glow illuminating her face. The embers crackled and hissed, tracing arcs of color in the dark.


    I simply watched, caught in the moment. The fireworks above, the sparklers in her hands, and the way she laughed so freely¡ªit was impossible not to smile.


    "Yeah, it is," I said, my smile widening as I watched Myrrh twirl under the fireworks.


    She giggled, spinning with childlike excitement, the twin sparklers in her hands trailing radiant arcs of multicolored light. For a moment, she looked like a fire dancer, her movements effortless and fluid, as if she were painting streaks of magic into the air itself.


    The scene was mesmerizing¡ªthe vibrant sparklers, the cascading fireworks in the background, and Myrrh¡¯s glowing, joy-filled face at the center of it all. I couldn¡¯t let this moment slip away. Without thinking, I pulled out my phone and snapped a picture.


    There it was. My new masterpiece. My new Mona Lisa. The soft glow of the sparklers illuminated Myrrh¡¯s features, her expression frozen in pure happiness amidst the explosion of colors. I stared at the screen, my heart swelling.


    "Hey, Zaft," Myrrh suddenly called out, her voice softer now, almost contemplative.


    "Hmm?" I looked up from my phone.


    A playful smile tugged at her lips. "I just had a crazy idea."


    I raised an eyebrow. "That¡¯s never a good sign."


    "Have you ever dreamt of diving through the fireworks in the night sky?" she asked, her blue eyes gleaming with mischief.


    I blinked. "I haven¡¯t. What would that even be like¡ª"


    Before I could finish my sentence, she suddenly dropped her sparklers, the sizzling sticks clattering onto the balcony floor. And in the next instant¡ª


    She lunged.


    A pair of arms wrapped tightly around me, and before I could react, I felt the rush of air as we tumbled backward. My stomach lurched as the weightlessness took hold.


    We were falling.


    Falling from the space cruise ship.


    The roaring wind swallowed my scream as Myrrh¡¯s laughter echoed against the endless expanse of the sky.


    "Yaaah!" Myrrh squealed, her laughter ringing out like a melody against the roaring wind.


    "W-WHOOAAA!" I cried. "WHAT THE FUUUUUUUUCK?!"


    The sheer rush of freefall hit me like a freight train, my stomach flipping as the cold air whipped past us. Myrrh¡¯s grip loosened, and for a heart-stopping moment, I thought she was letting go completely. But then, instead of tumbling apart, our hands found each other, fingers interlocking in midair.


    Now, we were no longer just falling.


    We were swimming¡ªfloating¡ªsoaring through the sky, a sea of fireworks bursting around us in every direction. The explosions painted the heavens in dazzling reds, blues, and violets, their shimmering light reflecting in Myrrh¡¯s wide, exhilarated eyes.


    "Hahaha! This is so fun, right?!" Myrrh laughed, her voice barely cutting through the deafening wind.


    "This is insane!" I shouted back. "What were you saying?!"


    "What?!" Myrrh called out. "I can¡¯t hear you!"


    It was pointless. The wind was too loud, drowning out everything but the pounding of my heart. But in that moment, words didn¡¯t matter.


    Hand in hand, we dove through the fireworks-lit sky, gravity pulling us into an endless cascade of light and color. Myrrh turned to me, her blue eyes meeting mine, and we simply¡­ smiled. No words. No frantic screaming. Just that single glance¡ªan unspoken message we both understood.


    Then, I looked down.


    And panic slammed into me.


    The sprawling skyline of Xyraxis Metropolis came into view, its neon-lit skyscrapers rushing toward us at an alarming speed. The city stretched endlessly beneath us, a glowing labyrinth of glass and steel, getting closer¡ªtoo close¡ªfar too fast.


    My blood ran cold.


    "WE¡¯RE GONNA DIE!" I screamed at the top of my lungs, but I knew it was useless. Myrrh couldn¡¯t hear me.


    And yet, somehow, she just kept smiling.


    "I have a crush on you!"


    Myrrh¡¯s voice barely reached me over the howling wind, her words swallowed by the chaos of our freefall. Her face was flushed, her lips curled into a mischievous giggle, but maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªI misheard her.


    Did she really just say that? Or was she actually screaming about our impending doom?


    "Yeah, we¡¯re about to crash!" I cried, my voice laced with sheer panic. "What the hell were you thinking?!"


    "Nothing! I didn¡¯t say anything!" Myrrh replied, shaking her head with an infuriatingly carefree smile.


    "What?!"


    "What?!"


    We were absolutely not on the same page right now.


    The cityscape below was no longer a distant collection of lights¡ªit was rushing toward us at breakneck speed, the towering buildings stretching higher, the streets coming into terrifying focus. A few hundred meters left before we turned into a tragic headline.


    Then, in the blink of an eye, Myrrh¡¯s hand shot to her waist, revealing a sleek morpher.


    "Frame Unit, Awaken!"


    A blinding light erupted from her body, engulfing her in a radiant glow. Her form expanded¡ªelongating, reshaping, transforming. Within moments, she was no longer the girl I had just been holding hands with¡ªshe was a twenty-meter-tall, gleaming Frame Unit.


    I barely had time to process what was happening before I found myself cradled in her massive metallic hands. The thrusters on her back and legs ignited, sending a powerful burst of energy roaring through the air. Instead of plummeting to our deaths, we were now soaring over the breathtaking skyline of Xyraxis Metropolis.


    My wide eyes took in the view from above. The Archonlight Tower stood like a glowing beacon in the heart of the city. The sprawling campus of the Orbital Tech Applied Kinetics University glimmered in its signature blue lights. The megamall stretched out like a massive neon playground. And beyond it all, the northern district pulsed with life, a symphony of floating highways and levitating transit pods threading through the futuristic landscape.


    I could barely breathe.


    Riding a Warfare Augmented Intelligent Frame Unit across the skies had always been a dream¡ªone of those impossible, bucket-list fantasies. And yet, here I was, soaring through the night, cradled in Myrrh¡¯s hands, as if the universe had decided to grant me a miracle.


    I turned my gaze to her towering mechanical form, feeling the rapid thud of my own heartbeat against my ribs.


    The way my chest tightened, the way my stomach twisted with something warm and fluttering¡ªit was unfamiliar, terrifying, and exhilarating all at once.


    Was this¡­ love?

 Chapter 93 - Versus Battle Exam

    Chapter 93 - Versus Battle Exam


    Not all good things last forever.


    That truth hits me harder today, because it¡¯s Monday¡ªjust two days after the Xyraxis New Year¡ªand the first day back to class. The holidays felt like a dream, especially with Myrrh by my side. Maybe I enjoyed her company a little too much, because this morning I can barely keep my eyes open.


    I trudged out of the dormitory, my footsteps sluggish and my face stuck in a half-squint, half-scowl. The weight of reality¡ªroutine, lectures, discipline¡ªsettled on my shoulders like an invisible yoke. My mood soured not just from the lack of sleep but from the cruel end of total freedom. My limbs dragged, my mind fogged, and as I passed through the glass doors of the campus building, I yawned so wide it echoed in the lobby.


    The corridors were already alive with chatter. Students traded stories about their holidays, laughter and excitement ricocheting off the walls. Most had gone back to Earth to see family or friends, but others¡ªthose who had already made Xyraxis their home¡ªswapped tales of the local New Year festivals and fireworks that lit up the alien sky.


    When I finally reached my classroom, I found it already buzzing with voices. Seats were mostly filled, the atmosphere light and cheerful, as if no one else had suffered the emotional hangover of returning to reality. My eyes scanned the room¡ªthen stopped.


    There she was. Myrrh.


    She was chatting animatedly with her new support unit, Kian, their conversation peppered with soft laughter. Her long greenish-blonde hair swayed as she turned her head, and her smile was radiant, unguarded. But the moment she caught me in her peripheral vision, she paused¡ªthen turned fully to look at me. Her eyes brightened. A delicate blush painted her cheeks.


    ¡°Oh! Good morning, darling!¡± she called out, waving cheerfully.


    ¡°Wah¡ª¡± I choked on my own breath, my face flushing instantly. Being greeted by someone as gorgeous as Myrrh¡ªespecially with that affectionate term¡ªhit me like a railgun to the heart.


    Right. The act.


    We were pretending to be a couple¡ªthis whole fake romance thing was meant to keep the other guys, especially Kian, from getting too close to her. I had agreed to it. Somehow.


    ¡°G-good m-m-morning¡­¡± I mumbled, eyes dodging hers as I offered a quick bow and shuffled toward my seat at the back of the room, trying to disappear into the furniture.


    I couldn¡¯t believe how flustered I was. My jaw trembled uncontrollably, and my mind had gone completely blank. Normally, when Myrrh talked to me, I could keep my cool¡ªfeign indifference, brush her off with a casual grunt. But today? My body was betraying me. My chest felt tight. My heart was pounding as if I''d just sprinted across campus.


    I collapsed into my seat with a gasp, as if I''d been holding my breath the whole walk in.


    ¡°What the hell¡­¡± I muttered under my breath, staring down at the desk like it owed me answers.


    Was it just me, or did Myrrh look... even cuter than usual? No¡ªbeautiful. She¡¯d always been beautiful, but this was different. Something about the way her eyes lit up when she smiled, the way her laughter seemed to tug at something deep inside me... It was messing with my head.


    Back in high school, my feelings toward her were twisted¡ªmore lust than love. I used to fantasize about dominating her, about breaking that proud, perfect image of hers down to something trembling and undone. It was shameful. Ugly. A projection of my own degeneracy.


    But now? Looking at her this morning, smiling and carefree, I felt something else entirely. A strange, overwhelming urge to protect that joy. To keep that smile from ever fading.


    What the hell was happening to me?


    ¡°Good morning, Zaft.¡±


    A familiar voice¡ªsoft, feminine¡ªspoke beside me.


    ¡°UWAH!¡± I yelped, practically jumping out of my skin. I must¡¯ve looked like a startled kitten.


    Whipping my head to the side, I came face-to-face with Fei Xian¡ªmy WAIFU partner. Her golden eyes blinked up at me, wide and curious, like a puppy trying to understand why I was malfunctioning.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry if I startled you,¡± she said gently, her voice laced with concern.


    ¡°Oh¡­ Fei Xian.¡± I muttered her name as I clutched my chest, still feeling the rapid thump of my heart. ¡°Good morning to you too. I didn¡¯t even notice you were there.¡±


    ¡°I¡ªI waved at you the moment you walked into class,¡± she said, her voice quivering with disappointment. ¡°I even called your name first before Myrrh, but you ignored me¡­¡± Her lips trembled as she added, ¡°Please don¡¯t tell me you¡¯ve already forgotten your own partner WAIFU.¡±


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    ¡°O-of course I remember you!¡± I yelped, panic rising again as I scrambled to salvage the situation.


    There was an awkward silence. I desperately needed to push the lingering thoughts of Myrrh out of my brain¡ªwipe the mental slate clean.


    ¡°Ahem! Anyway¡­¡± I straightened up and tried to switch gears. ¡°How are you, Fei? I haven¡¯t heard from you since before the holidays.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m great now!¡± Fei perked up instantly, pumping her fists with childlike energy. ¡°I spent the holiday break with my clan!¡±


    ¡°¡­Clan?¡± I blinked.


    She nodded enthusiastically. ¡°The Xian Clan of New China! We celebrated my 17th brother¡¯s birthday.¡±


    ¡°You mean¡­ your brother¡¯s 17th birthday?¡± I asked, a little unsure.


    ¡°No, no,¡± she said, shaking her head with a sweet but firm expression. Then she began counting on her fingers, totally unfazed. ¡°My 17th brother. I have thirty-two siblings, and I¡¯m the 14th sister of my family.¡±


    I stared at her. ¡°Wait. What? Is your mother a pig or something? How can anyone even have that many kids?¡±


    ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t know if my mother was a pig,¡± Fei said, surprisingly lighthearted, a carefree smile dancing on her lips. ¡°I¡¯ve never met her. The Xian Clan isn¡¯t bound by blood¡ªit¡¯s a family built on the ideals of righteousness. My biological parents left me when I was four, and the Grand Eldress Xian adopted me into the clan.¡±


    My chest tightened. ¡°Oh¡­ I¡¯m sorry. I misunderstood your clan,¡± I said, guilt creeping into my voice.


    ¡°No worries!¡± Fei beamed, that signature dumb smile spreading across her face. ¡°Everyone¡¯s confused about my clan, too.¡±


    It was the first time I¡¯d ever heard anything about Fei¡¯s past. There was something quietly sad about it¡ªbeing abandoned so young, having to find her place in the world without a traditional family. I pitied her, even if just a little. But at least she found a home. At least she was wanted.


    I glanced toward the classroom door just in time to see Neil walk in. As always, he moved like a shadow¡ªsilent, unbothered. He didn¡¯t glance at anyone, didn¡¯t acknowledge a single soul. Just headed straight to his seat, sat down, and rested his head in his hand. His WAIFU partner wasn¡¯t with him yet, which somehow made the silence around him even heavier.


    That¡¯s when I noticed it.


    Myrrh.


    She was looking in my direction. Not just glancing¡ªlooking. Her eyes met mine, and she smiled. Just a gentle curve of her lips. Nothing too grand. But it hit me like a starburst.


    My world froze.


    Again.


    My cheeks burned with sudden heat, and I felt like I couldn¡¯t breathe properly. Everything else faded into the background¡ªthe classroom noise, the voices, even Fei Xian¡¯s presence beside me.


    What was happening to me?


    There was something in that smile¡ªso genuine, so bright¡ªthat made me want to hold her in my arms and shield her from every danger in the universe. My feelings had burrowed deeper, into places I didn¡¯t know existed inside me.


    And maybe¡­ just maybe¡­ I was falling for her.


    ¡°Oh! I almost forgot¡ªcongratulations!¡± Fei suddenly clasped her hands together, her voice slicing right through my daze and snapping me back to reality.


    I turned to her, blinking. ¡°Huh? What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°You and Myrrh, of course!¡± she said cheerfully, practically bouncing in her seat. ¡°I heard you¡¯re a couple now. I always knew you two were well-suited for each other! You argue like husband and wife all the time!¡±


    My face flushed red instantly. ¡°W-who told you that?¡± I groaned, trying not to bury my head in my desk.


    ¡°Remuel,¡± Fei said matter-of-factly. ¡°Why?¡±


    I glanced around the classroom. Remuel¡¯s seat was conspicuously empty. That little bastard. He was usually on time, so he was probably absent today. Good. That meant I didn¡¯t have to throttle him in front of witnesses.


    Spreading misinformation like that... Unbelievable.


    Then again¡­ maybe this was a good time to come clean, at least to Fei. She was sweet, a little dense, and above all¡ªloyal. I figured she could keep a secret if I asked nicely.


    I opened my mouth to speak, ready to explain the whole fake-relationship act between me and Myrrh.


    But before a single word could leave my lips, the school bell rang with a sharp DING-DONG, echoing through the campus halls like a death knell to social interaction.


    Students began to settle into their seats, the casual chatter quickly dying down. I saw Myrrh glance over her shoulder one last time before she turned back to face the front of the room.


    And that¡¯s when he arrived.


    Professor Chaldeas trudged into the room, dragging his feet like he¡¯d just fought off three hangovers and lost to all of them. Today, he looked like a young adult in the middle of a full-blown existential crisis¡ªdisheveled hair, crumpled coat, and that thousand-yard stare that screamed, ¡°I hate my job.¡±


    Sometimes, he came in like a storm of caffeine and ambition. Other days¡ªlike today¡ªhe came in looking like the spirit of Monday had possessed his soul.


    ¡°Uhhh¡­ good morning, class¡­¡± he mumbled, rubbing his eyes. ¡°And happy Xyraxis New Year, I guess¡­ I¡¯m too lazy to teach today, so instead, we¡¯re just going to have a practical exam.¡±


    A collective groan rippled through the classroom.


    ¡°Awwwwww¡­¡±


    ¡°This practical exam isn¡¯t your regular snooze-fest,¡± Professor Chaldeas droned, tapping his coffee mug against his desk with the dead rhythm of a man clinging to caffeine for survival. ¡°Today, we¡¯re doing a Versus Match. WAIFUs and WEEBs¡­ against other WAIFUs and WEEBs.¡±


    A few students straightened up, confused. Others leaned forward with dawning horror.


    ¡°This is to ensure Orbital Tech cadets are ready for all scenarios,¡± he continued, half-yawning. ¡°Even post-vacation combat fatigue.¡±


    He tapped his mug again¡ªting¡ªand a sleek hologram flickered to life above his desk. Rows of student names scrolled upward in soft blue light, blinking with life. With another sluggish tap, the names spun like a roulette wheel, the randomizer engaging with a rapid flurry of chimes and beeps.


    The class murmured anxiously.


    Then it stopped.


    I blinked. My mouth hung open.


    No. Freaking. Way.


    [1st Match: Myrrh Alicent and Kian Cyprus vs. Fei Xian and Zaft Callahan]


    My brain flatlined.


    What kind of cursed gacha roll was this?!


    That randomizer either glitched... or it had a deep personal vendetta against me.


    ¡°Match listings are final,¡± Professor Chaldeas said, sipping his coffee as if he hadn¡¯t just thrown a lit match into a powder keg. ¡°The rules are simple: behead the opponent¡¯s Frame Unit or force a surrender. This exam is all or nothing¡ªwinning team gets 100 points, losing team gets zero. That¡¯s the curriculum¡¯s way of saying: ¡®Welcome back to school.¡¯¡±


    A collective gasp spread across the classroom like a ripple in still water.


    I couldn¡¯t look away from the screen. Myrrh¡­ partnered with Kian.


    Kian, the guy this whole fake relationship stunt was supposed to ward off.


    And I had to fight her.


    Myrrh looked over her shoulder, her eyes locking with mine. Her expression flickered¡ªsurprise, then a smile¡­ but there was a flicker of tension in it too.


    Fei Xian tugged gently at my sleeve. ¡°Zaft¡­ are you okay?¡±


    No. I wasn¡¯t.

 Chapter 94 - ERROR

    Chapter 94 - ERROR


    I cast my eyes across the vast, echoing coliseum, letting them linger on every detail¡ªthe towering steel walls, the cold, rigid pillars, the glint of overhead lights bouncing off metallic surfaces.


    The rows upon rows of audience seats stood mostly vacant, with only a sparse cluster of students¡ªmy classmates¡ªfilling about ten percent of the arena. The rest was silence and empty space. It was safe to say this place was a ghost town now.


    The last time I stepped foot in here was during the Licensure Examinations Tournament. Back then, I fought alongside Myrrh. Now, the thought that I¡¯d be fighting her felt surreal, like a glitch in the story.


    I turned my gaze to my current opponent. Myrrh stood confidently, posture flawless, hands resting on her hips like she was born to dominate arenas. Her chin was tilted up, soaked in arrogance, and her eyes¡ªicy blue and dancing with anticipation¡ªsparkled like twin blades in the sun. Beside her, her support partner Kian, handsome and as smug as ever, wore a casual smile, like he already knew the outcome.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, darling,¡± Myrrh cooed, her voice dripping with smug superiority. ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure I¡¯ve got this in the bag. But hey, if you want¡ªI can give you a handicap. Want me to go easy?¡±


    Her cockiness scraped every nerve in my body raw. In that moment, the near-perfect image I had of her shattered into glass. I was such a fool for ever feeling even a flicker of infatuation for this smug little menace. I¡¯d forgotten how much she infuriated me when she wasn¡¯t on my side.


    ¡°¡®WaNt mE tO gO eAsY?¡¯¡± I echoed, contorting her words with a mocking tone, practically spitting them back at her. ¡°Please. This¡¯ll be easy-peasy for me and Fei.¡±


    "Ohoho!" Myrrh laughed¡ªsoftly, sweetly, like a proper lady at tea. It would¡¯ve been charming if it didn¡¯t sound so loaded. Behind that dainty chuckle, I could see it¡ªher sharp, simmering intent. Her playful smile didn¡¯t reach her eyes.


    ¡°Alright then,¡± she said, the corners of her mouth curling. ¡°Just remember¡ªyou asked for it. This¡¯ll be your funeral.¡±


    ¡°Oh, this will be a funeral, alright,¡± I snapped back, my voice low and sharp. ¡°You¡¯re going to die a second time.¡±


    Myrrh rolled her eyes and let out an exaggerated hmph, flicking her long greenish-blonde hair over her shoulder like a diva walking off a runway. ¡°Beating up a hooligan like you?¡± she said, lips curling in a condescending smirk. ¡°Please. That¡¯s just a basic skill. Like breathing.¡±


    In the background, Fei and Kian¡ªexchanged weary glances. Both wore the kind of stiff, polite smiles reserved for bystanders caught in a domestic disaster. I caught Fei muttering under her breath, barely audible.


    ¡°I hope we¡¯re not caught in the middle of their private love quarrel¡­¡±


    Kian gave a dry chuckle in response, murmuring just loud enough for me to hear, ¡°Yeah. These two lovebirds seriously need to chill.¡±


    Lovebirds? The word hit me like a slap to the face. I wanted to scream, We are not lovers. Never were. Never will be. I¡¯d rather be exiled to the moon than be romantically linked with Myrrh and her overinflated ego. No¡ªwhat I wanted was simple: to see her pride shatter, to watch her crack, even just a little. Maybe cry. Maybe realize that she wasn¡¯t untouchable.


    A sharp voice cut through the tension like a blade.


    ¡°Okay, kids.¡± Professor Chaldeas strode forward, finally interrupting the silent war between me and Myrrh. His coffee cup was empty now¡ªdangerous. His tone had gone from sleepy to fully caffeinated drill sergeant. ¡°Now, WAIFUs, step up to the red starting line. Support Units, onto the platforms.¡±


    Without a word, Kian and I moved to our respective platforms. The metallic floor hummed beneath our boots as the lift mechanisms activated, carrying us thirty meters into the air. The wind rushed past as we ascended, giving the arena a sense of high-stakes finality.


    On the ground below, Myrrh and Fei faced off at the red line. The moment their boots touched the edge, both drew their morphers with crisp, practiced motions. Sparks of energy crackled at their fingertips. Their eyes locked¡ªnot a single word spoken, but a thousand intentions exchanged in that one, electric stare.


    ¡°Show me what you got, Fei. I¡¯ve been waiting so long to fight you,¡± Myrrh declared, her voice ringing with confident anticipation.


    Fei smiled and clenched her fist with a burst of energy. ¡°Got it! I might not be as strong as you, but I¡¯ll do my best!¡±


    Professor Chaldeas raised one hand into the air. His expression sharpened with caffeine-fueled alertness. Then, without warning, he brought the whistle to his lips and let out a piercing tweet that echoed across the coliseum.


    ¡°Let the battle begin!¡±


    Both WAIFUs instantly raised their morphers to the sky, their bodies already surging with power.


    ¡°Frame Unit, Awaken!¡± they shouted in perfect synchronization.


    In a flash of light, Fei was consumed in a swirl of orange and white. Energy spiraled around her like a vortex as her human form expanded and armored up, metal locking in with hydraulic precision. Her Frame Unit¡ªtwenty meters tall and glowing with sharp orange lines over sleek white plating¡ªlanded on the arena floor with a heavy, thunderous boom. Steam hissed from her leg vents. Her visor flickered on.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Myrrh followed suit¡ªher body enveloped in radiant gold. Her Frame Unit emerged like a divine statue awakening, tall and majestic in polished white and gold. Filigree patterns pulsed along her limbs. The crown-shaped crest on her forehead gleamed as she extended her arms with a dramatic flair.


    Right then, I triggered my WEEB system.


    [Weaponry Enhancement Engineering Bios]


    [Clearance ¨C Level 8]


    [Level 1 - Laser Sword]


    [Level 2 - Beam Rifle]


    [Level 3 - Light Shield]


    [Level 4 - Jetpack]


    [Level 5 - Ultimate]


    [Level 6 - Buster Sword]


    [Level 7 - Rail Cannon]


    [Level 8 - Rollerblade]


    As soon as the hologram interface flickered across my visor, a thunderous THUD followed by a sharp metallic CLANK snapped my attention back to the battlefield.


    I looked down¡ªjust in time to see Myrrh¡¯s Frame Unit lashing out with a sudden, vicious roundhouse kick. Her white and gold mech twisted with frightening speed, leg slicing through the air like a guillotine.


    Fei barely managed to intercept the blow. She raised her reinforced left arm just in time¡ªthe impact sent sparks flying as steel collided with steel. The ground trembled beneath them, and a heavy clang echoed across the arena walls.


    Not bad.


    I hadn¡¯t really fought alongside Fei before. But Myrrh? I¡¯d fought her countless times. I knew her patterns, her arrogance, her speed. She was aggressive¡ªfast, precise, and relentless. If Fei was going to survive this, we¡¯d need to outmaneuver her, not overpower her.


    Time to compensate.


    I pressed my palm against the first weapon icon on my WEEB interface. Golden circuitry lit up across my skin, humming with raw energy.


    ¡°Rollerblade, Equip!¡± I commanded.


    In response, a pair of sleek, motorized roller skates materialized onto Fei¡¯s boots in a flash of light. The wheels spun to life with a mechanical whirrr, and Fei immediately dropped back, skating away in a burst of speed that kicked up dust and debris in her wake. Her Frame Unit skidded in a wide arc, creating distance while keeping her arms raised in defense.


    On the opposite platform, Kian¡¯s voice rang out. ¡°Beam Rifle, Equip!¡±


    His arm surged with glowing blue circuits as he selected the loadout. A cybernetic summoning circle formed in front of Myrrh¡¯s Frame Unit, and a high-powered beam rifle constructed itself piece by piece from thin air, locking into her mech¡¯s hands with a sharp click.


    Without hesitation, Myrrh raised the rifle and took aim¡ªher targeting sensors flashing red as she tracked Fei¡¯s evasive path.


    This was about to escalate¡ªfast.


    Green lasers tore through the air, raining down on Fei like a deadly storm. But she held her ground¡ªskating across the scorched soil with calculated finesse, every movement deliberate and razor-sharp. Her Frame Unit ducked, weaved, and glided just ahead of each searing beam, wheels hissing against the dirt.


    She was keeping her shit together. And damn, I was glad I invested in her mobility¡ªbecause that was the one area where Myrrh used to dominate. Not today.


    But dodging wasn¡¯t enough. I needed to hit back¡ªhard.


    I tapped the next weapon on the WEEB interface. My hand lit up with golden circuits as I stretched it toward Fei.


    ¡°Rail Cannon, Equip!¡±


    A massive cybernetic sigil appeared in front of her. From it, the colossal weapon emerged¡ªtwice as long as her own mech¡¯s arm, humming with condensed kinetic power. Fei gripped the rail cannon with both hands, locked in her target: Myrrh, standing tall about sixty meters ahead.


    She was just about to fire¡ªwhen Kian¡¯s voice cut through the comms.


    ¡°Light Shield, Equip!¡±


    A shimmering shield materialized in front of Myrrh¡¯s Frame Unit, summoned from a gleaming blue circle. She grabbed it effortlessly, lifting it into position without breaking eye contact.


    And then¡ªBOOM.


    The rail cannon fired, releasing a sonic boom that cracked through the sky. The slug tore through the battlefield in a blur of destructive force. But just in time, Myrrh angled her shield¡ªnot flat, but tilted just enough. The projectile slammed into it with a deafening crash, sparks and energy exploding outward.


    Rather than piercing through, the slug ricocheted¡ªveering off-course and detonating against the ground beside her in a blast of earth and flame. The ground quaked beneath her, but she didn¡¯t flinch. She stood there, gleaming, framed by fire and smoke like some invincible mech goddess.


    Typical Myrrh.


    I gritted my teeth. I knew it wouldn¡¯t be that easy. She''s too damn good at adapting under pressure. Fine. If she wanted serious¡ªI¡¯d give her serious.


    No more playing around.


    I slammed my hand down on the [Ultimate] icon of the WEEB System. Golden circuits flared across my arm, pulsating like a living thing. I aimed my glowing palm straight at Fei¡¯s Frame Unit.


    ¡°Divine Fist, Activate!¡± I shouted, thrusting my arm forward like I was casting a spell in some final battle.


    Fei kicked off with a burst of power, her rollerblades igniting the soil beneath her as she charged. With a sharp twist, she jettisoned her massive rail cannon behind her¡ªletting it crash into the ground with a metallic clang. Her fists lit up, blazing with radiant gold. Energy surged through her arms like solar fire, her gauntlets glowing hotter with every second.


    She was ready to throw hands. Divine ones.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s answer an Ultimate with an Ultimate!¡± Kian roared, slamming the [Blade Wing] command on his HUD.


    But instead of activation¡ªa giant red [ERROR] sign blinked across his WEEB System.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not using it,¡± Myrrh said flatly, not even looking back at him.


    Kian blinked. ¡°Wait¡ªwhat? Is this some kind of glitch?¡± He tapped [Blade Wing] again. Another [ERROR] popped up.


    ¡°I said I¡¯m not using it,¡± Myrrh repeated, a little sharper this time¡ªstill calm, but with that unmistakable Myrrh-style bite in her voice. Irritated, but¡­ weirdly cute.


    Kian frowned. ¡°Why not? We could end this right now! What are you doing?!¡±


    ¡°I told you I¡¯m not using it right now!¡± she snapped.


    Then¡ªBOOM.


    She stomped the ground with her Frame Unit¡¯s massive foot, shaking the entire arena. A crater cracked beneath her, sending a gust of wind in every direction. Her body language screamed defiance. Her stance widened. Her hands clenched. She wasn¡¯t bluffing.


    She was pissed¡ªand more importantly, she was doing things her way.


    Hearing Myrrh¡¯s tsundere voice again... God. I hated to admit it, but damn¡ªI was so into it. There was something weirdly addictive about the way she sounded when she was just mildly pissed. That soft bite in her tone, that self-righteous pout woven into her words¡­


    Yeah. I think I was falling for her voice all over again.


    ¡°I will not permit Blade Wing to be used, especially against Zaft!¡± Myrrh barked, crossing her arms in full-on dramatic fashion. Her Frame Unit¡¯s visor even glowed a little brighter¡ªprobably from pride. ¡°That Ultimate was my mother¡¯s. I won¡¯t let Zaft associate it with anything bad. Got it?! I¡¯m planning to go easy on them anyway!¡±


    Oof. She really said that out loud. To the whole arena.


    Kian deflated visibly. ¡°U-uhuh¡­ Fine,¡± he mumbled, shoulders sagging like a kid who just got scolded by his older sister. Or girlfriend. Or terrifying tsundere war goddess. Honestly, all three.


    Myrrh planted her hands on her hips and puffed out her chest. ¡°Now go ahead and choose a different weapon, something less dramatic! We¡¯re just here to beat them up, not annihilate¡ª¡±


    ¡°HOREYAAAAAAH!!¡±


    Fei¡¯s war cry sliced through the air.


    Before Myrrh could even finish her sentence, Fei¡¯s blazing golden fist exploded into a right hook¡ªslamming straight into Myrrh¡¯s metallic faceplate with bone-rattling force.