Warfare Augmented Intelligent Frame Unit

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—Number 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—her 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—especially considering one of the subjects isn't even part of your curriculum yet."