Warfare Augmented Intelligent Frame Unit

Chapter 61 - Deserved License

Chapter 61 - Deserved License

I felt like I had just claimed the gold medal at the Olympics. The air was electric, alive with cheers that reverberated across the massive arena. Multicolored confetti rained down like a kaleidoscope of victory, sticking to our hair and outfits as Myrrh and I ascended the stage. 

Beside us stood two other pairs, all of us grinning in triumph after achieving an unbroken streak of five wins out of five matches. The moment was surreal, made even more official as we were handed our licenses amidst a flurry of applause. Cameras flashed as an emcee with a confident, honeyed voice, Dianca, announced:

"Let us all welcome the examinees who triumphed in this year's Licensure Examination Tournament!"

The crowd erupted in another wave of celebratory noise. Cheers mixed with the satisfying crunch of confetti beneath our feet as we lined up for the photo session. While basking in the praise and the glittering chaos, I couldn't help but steal a glance at Myrrh. She was radiant—her best smile plastered perfectly across her face. It wasn't just a smile; it was a masterpiece designed to command every camera lens. She had to be the most stunning girl in the room.

But just as I started to marvel at her, I noticed her lips moving. Murmurs escaped, soft enough not to disturb the harmony of the moment, but loud enough for me to catch.

"Are you okay?" Myrrh asked, her pearly smile unwavering, her voice a sharp whisper just for me.

"M-Me? Oh, I'm fine," I stammered, forcing my own smile to stay intact. It probably looked ridiculous—a toothy, dog-like grin fighting to mask my nerves. "Are you... angry at me?"

"No," Myrrh replied sweetly, though her smile faltered just a fraction. 

Then, in a move so subtle it wouldn't disturb the photos, she stepped down hard on my foot.

"I'm furious," she added, her voice a razor-edged whisper laced with venom.

"Ouch..." I hissed, feeling the sharp sting radiate from my foot. Still, I managed to keep my grin intact, even as beads of sweat betrayed my calm façade. "You know I had to do that. If I hadn't, you would've been toast!"

"It's not about my pride or the thrill of winning. It's about your wellbeing. You exposed your powers again," Myrrh murmured, her tone carrying the weight of concern despite its softness.

"It was just for a split second!" I protested, my voice rising as I shot her an indignant glare. In that moment, I didn't care if the photographers captured an unflattering angle of me.

Myrrh's cheeks turned a shade of pink, and her lips pressed into an unsteady, squiggly line. Her furrowed brows framed the glimmer in her blue eyes, like a storm passing over a calm sea. "Fine, fine," she conceded, her voice tinged with a mix of exasperation and surrender.

Before the moment could settle, Dianca bounded into view, her cyberpunk-inspired phone camera already aimed at us. The polished metal and glowing edges of the device glinted under the arena lights. Her wavy blue hair shimmered like liquid sapphire, bouncing with every step as her enthusiasm bubbled over.

"Myrrh! Zaft! Can I take a picture of you two?" Dianca asked, her excitement practically contagious.

"Of course," Myrrh replied without hesitation, her voice bright and composed once more.

We stepped close, elbows and shoulders brushing against each other. The warmth of her presence was oddly comforting, even in the middle of the bustling crowd. Myrrh raised her hand in a playful peace sign, so I followed suit. Together, we flashed matching grins, proudly holding up our shiny new licenses.