Warfare Augmented Intelligent Frame Unit

Chapter 3 - Unlucky 3.33% Chance

Chapter 3 – 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—we 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—within 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—too 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—one 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—Zaft 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.

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

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