Warfare Augmented Intelligent Frame Unit

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—perfect 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.