Warfare Augmented Intelligent Frame Unit

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—before 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?"