Warfare Augmented Intelligent Frame Unit

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—everything 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—her 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."